Ref: LS136 | Skills for Learning | March 2018
SKILLS FOR LEARNING
GUIDE TO WRITING AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY
WHAT IS AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY?
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations, which can include books, journal articles and
documents. Each citation is usually followed by a very brief description of the text and more
importantly, a critical evaluation. This is often referred to as the annotation and should be between
100-200 words per citation as detailed in your assignment brief.
The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to highlight the importance, accuracy and credibility of
each cited source. An annotated bibliography may be set for an assignment in order to inform the
reader (in this case, academic staff) of your ability to choose sources that are relevant to your
assignment topic.
This can also be used independently to identify key reading to support your understanding of a topic,
which can then be drawn upon when completing your summative assessment. Writing an annotated
bibliography will be beneficial to gain skills in organising data and developing a critical stance
regarding published literature.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:
All of the sources cited will need to be correctly referenced. Access full referencing guides on the Skills
for Learning web site: www.wlv.ac.uk/lib/skills-for-learning/referencing
The following information will need to be included in the annotation for each source:
Summary – what is it about?
What is the author’s purpose, aim or research question?
What is the main argument, finding or conclusion
Evaluation – what do you think about the text?
Who is it written for? (e.g. the general public, health professionals, academic staff?)
What do you think are the main strengths?
Are there any weaknesses or flaws with the research?
Reflection – how might you use it?
Has the text helped you understand something more in depth?
How useful is the research?
How might you refer to it?