LibGuides: Annotated Bibliographies: Home

What is an annotated bibliography?

Sample Annotated Bibliography
An example of an annotated bibliography from the Purdue Owl. Note that the samples are given in multiple styles. Scroll down for the sample in APA style.

Component	Description	Tips
Citation	Full APA/MLA citation for the source	Ensure accuracy in formatting. Use citation managers for consistency.
Summary	Concise overview of the main arguments, purpose, and conclusions	Focus on relevance to your topic. Be objective and clear.
Evaluation	Critical assessment of credibility, bias, and scholarly value	Consider the author’s credentials, publication type, and evidence used.
Reflection/Use	Explanation of how the source supports your research or informs your thinking	Tie the source to your research question or theoretical framework.
Keywords/Tags	Core ideas or themes from the source	Useful for organizing and future reference. Keep brief and focused.