An annotated bibliography is a helpful research tool that identifies and critiques useful resources for a specific subject. It includes a short commentary for each book, article, Web site, etc. that it lists. The commentary can be descriptive: that is, it simply describes the resource. Or the commentary can be evaluative: that is, it tells about the resource's point of view, it's strengths and weaknesses, and for what kind of research it would be useful. Often, it is both!
Annotated bibliographies answer the question: "What would be the most relevant, most useful, or most up-to-date sources for this topic?" You can see how they are of value to others. And, as an assignment, they get you to engage in the work of scholarship, using your knowledge, research, and critical thinking skills.
