An annotated bibliography is a list of citations for books, articles, films or other works (also called a bibliography) that provides a summary for each work (known as the annotation). The annotations should give a brief overview of the author's ideas and the content of the work.
Example citation and annotation in APA format: OWL @ Purdue
Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and Dimed: On (not) getting by in America. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
In this book of nonfiction based on the journalist's experiential research, Ehrenreich attempts to ascertain whether it is currently possible for an individual to live on a minimum-wage in America. Taking jobs as a waitress, a maid in a cleaning service, and a Walmart sales employee, the author summarizes and reflects on her work, her relationships with fellow workers, and her financial struggles in each situation. An experienced journalist, Ehrenreich is aware of the limitations of her experiment and the ethical implications of her experiential research tactics and reflects on these issues in the text. The author is forthcoming about her methods and supplements her experiences with scholarly research on her places of employment, the economy, and the rising cost of living in America. Ehrenreich’s project is timely, descriptive, and well-researched.
SJSU step-by-step video tutorial (3:42 minutes)
A literature review is a critical analysis of the literature, or research, related to a specific topic or research question. It discusses, analyzes and sometimes compares different authors that have already written articles and books related to your topic.
SJSU Step-by-step Tutorial (7:48 minutes)
What is a literature review? Explanation and Process (website from Lincoln University in New Zealand)
Learn How to Write a Review of the Literature: Parts & Process (website from the Writing Center at University of Wisconsin - Madison)