How to Write an Annotated Bibliography

Organizing, summarizing, and critically analyzing research is one of the first steps in the development of a research project. Creating annotated bibliographies is a common practice for students and researchers alike. Although annotated bibliographies are frequently utilized as course assignments, scaffolding exercises for project-based learning, and tasks for research assistants, many students and early researchers are unfamiliar with the process and format of an annotated bibliography. The purpose of this article is to provide undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and early career researchers within criminal justice, criminology, and other social sciences an explanation and examples of how to improve their research skills through writing annotated bibliographies.