What is an annotated bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a reference list of books, articles and other sources that includes a
description and evaluation which informs the reader of the relevance, accuracy and quality of the
sources listed.

How to write an annotated bibliography step by step

Step 1: Reference your source correctly using APA style
Step 2: Identify what type of text or source it is and what it is about
Step 3: Describe the purpose and scope or content
Step 4: Identify the target audience
Step 5: Identify the main strengths or usefulness
Step 6: Identify the main weaknesses or limitations
Step 7: Comment on the credibility or reliability
Step 8: Describe the relevance of the text or source
Step 9: Present you view or reaction to the text/source

Writing style
Arrange text or sources in alphabetical order by author
Write the annotation in a single paragraph
Using full sentences and appropriate academic style
Use transition words and phrases to link each part together – see http://www.smart-
words.org/linking-words/transition-words.html
Be concise stick to the significant details and avoid repetition
No need to reference as you are writing about individual sources

An example
Australian Government: Department of Education and Training. (2016). Early childhood and child
care in summary: March quarter 2016. Retrieved from https://docs.education.gov.au/node/42331
This government report provides information about children in approved child care services in
Australia for the 2016 March quarter. The purpose of this report is to present a snapshot of
enrolment numbers, vacancies, affordability of care and types of child care services in Australia. It
is part of a regular sequence of reports. This report is aimed at politicians, government agencies,
researchers and lobby groups to provide statistics and evidence about the provision of child care
services across Australia. The main strength of this report is that it provides an up-to-date, state by
state picture of the number of children and families using child care services, the number of services
operating and the cost to government of fee subsidisation. One of the main weakness of this report
is that it does not differentiate between commercial and not-for-profit services. The report should be
highly credible and reliable as it has been produced by a government body and is a matter of public
record. This report is relevant to understanding the number and type of child care services across
Australia that attract fee subsidies. Surprisingly, this report is clear and easy to read with reader
friendly tables and graphics included.

© TAFE NSW – Higher Education. MA 2017