difference between literature review and annotated bibliography

• Search Website
• Office Directory
• Employee Directory
• Learning Commons
• Topic Sentences

Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

What's the big deal.

There are fundamental differences between an annotated bibliography and a literature review that are crucial to completing the assignment correctly. The chart below is provides an overview of the biggest differences between the two types of assignments in a side-by-side comparison. However, if you need more specific information about either assignment, visit our Annotated Bibliography and/or Literature Review pages for more detailed information on how to complete them. 

Differences between an annotated bibliography and literature review

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a literature review and an annotated bibliography.

A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other  academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .

An  annotated bibliography is a list of  source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a  paper .  

Frequently asked questions: Dissertation

Dissertation word counts vary widely across different fields, institutions, and levels of education:

• An undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000–15,000 words
• A master’s dissertation is typically 12,000–50,000 words
• A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000–100,000 words

However, none of these are strict guidelines – your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation should be.

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

A thesis is typically written by students finishing up a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some educational institutions, particularly in the liberal arts, have mandatory theses, but they are often not mandatory to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. It is more common for a thesis to be a graduation requirement from a Master’s degree.

Even if not mandatory, you may want to consider writing a thesis if you:

• Plan to attend graduate school soon
• Have a particular topic you’d like to study more in-depth
• Are considering a career in research
• Would like a capstone experience to tie up your academic experience

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation should include the following:

• A restatement of your research question
• A summary of your key arguments and/or results
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

For a stronger dissertation conclusion , avoid including:

• Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the discussion section and results section
• Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion …”)
• Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g., “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

While it may be tempting to present new arguments or evidence in your thesis or disseration conclusion , especially if you have a particularly striking argument you’d like to finish your analysis with, you shouldn’t. Theses and dissertations follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the discussion section and results section .) The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

A theoretical framework can sometimes be integrated into a  literature review chapter , but it can also be included as its own chapter or section in your dissertation . As a rule of thumb, if your research involves dealing with a lot of complex theories, it’s a good idea to include a separate theoretical framework chapter.

A literature review and a theoretical framework are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work, a literature review critically evaluates existing research relating to your topic. You’ll likely need both in your dissertation .

While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work based on existing research, a conceptual framework allows you to draw your own conclusions, mapping out the variables you may use in your study and the interplay between them.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

In most styles, the title page is used purely to provide information and doesn’t include any images. Ask your supervisor if you are allowed to include an image on the title page before doing so. If you do decide to include one, make sure to check whether you need permission from the creator of the image.

Include a note directly beneath the image acknowledging where it comes from, beginning with the word “ Note .” (italicized and followed by a period). Include a citation and copyright attribution . Don’t title, number, or label the image as a figure , since it doesn’t appear in your main text.

Definitional terms often fall into the category of common knowledge , meaning that they don’t necessarily have to be cited. This guidance can apply to your thesis or dissertation glossary as well.

However, if you’d prefer to cite your sources , you can follow guidance for citing dictionary entries in MLA or APA style for your glossary.

A glossary is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. In contrast, an index is a list of the contents of your work organized by page number.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation should include your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date.

Glossaries are not mandatory, but if you use a lot of technical or field-specific terms, it may improve readability to add one to your thesis or dissertation. Your educational institution may also require them, so be sure to check their specific guidelines.

A glossary or “glossary of terms” is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. Your glossary only needs to include terms that your reader may not be familiar with, and is intended to enhance their understanding of your work.

A glossary is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. In contrast, dictionaries are more general collections of words.

An abbreviation is a shortened version of an existing word, such as Dr. for Doctor. In contrast, an acronym uses the first letter of each word to create a wholly new word, such as UNESCO (an acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

As a rule of thumb, write the explanation in full the first time you use an acronym or abbreviation. You can then proceed with the shortened version. However, if the abbreviation is very common (like PC, USA, or DNA), then you can use the abbreviated version from the get-go.

Be sure to add each abbreviation in your list of abbreviations !

If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .

If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.

A list of abbreviations is a list of all the abbreviations that you used in your thesis or dissertation. It should appear at the beginning of your document, with items in alphabetical order, just after your table of contents .

Your list of tables and figures should go directly after your table of contents in your thesis or dissertation.

Lists of figures and tables are often not required, and aren’t particularly common. They specifically aren’t required for APA-Style, though you should be careful to follow their other guidelines for figures and tables .

If you have many figures and tables in your thesis or dissertation, include one may help you stay organized. Your educational institution may require them, so be sure to check their guidelines.

A list of figures and tables compiles all of the figures and tables that you used in your thesis or dissertation and displays them with the page number where they can be found.

The table of contents in a thesis or dissertation always goes between your abstract and your introduction .

You may acknowledge God in your dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

In a thesis or dissertation, the discussion is an in-depth exploration of the results, going into detail about the meaning of your findings and citing relevant sources to put them in context.

The conclusion is more shorter and more general: it concisely answers your main research question and makes recommendations based on your overall findings.

In the discussion , you explore the meaning and relevance of your research results , explaining how they fit with existing research and theory. Discuss:

• Your  interpretations : what do the results tell us?
• The  implications : why do the results matter?
• The  limitation s : what can’t the results tell us?

The results chapter or section simply and objectively reports what you found, without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter.

In qualitative research , results and discussion are sometimes combined. But in quantitative research , it’s considered important to separate the objective results from your interpretation of them.

Results are usually written in the past tense , because they are describing the outcome of completed actions.

The results chapter of a thesis or dissertation presents your research results concisely and objectively.

In quantitative research , for each question or hypothesis , state:

• The type of analysis used
• Relevant results in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics
• Whether or not the alternative hypothesis was supported

In qualitative research , for each question or theme, describe:

• Recurring patterns
• Significant or representative individual responses
• Relevant quotations from the data

Don’t interpret or speculate in the results chapter.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Apply heading styles throughout the document.
• In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group.
• Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
• Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents.

Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings. To update, simply right click and select Update Field.

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract in the table of contents.

The abstract appears on its own page in the thesis or dissertation , after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

An abstract for a thesis or dissertation is usually around 200–300 words. There’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check your university’s requirements.

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis , directly after the title page and before the abstract .

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you must acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

The Guide to Literature Reviews

• What is a Literature Review?
• The Purpose of Literature Reviews
• Guidelines for Writing a Literature Review
• How to Organize a Literature Review?
• Software for Literature Reviews
• Using Artificial Intelligence for Literature Reviews
• How to Conduct a Literature Review?
• Common Mistakes and Pitfalls in a Literature Review
• Methods for Literature Reviews
• What is a Systematic Literature Review?
• What is a Narrative Literature Review?
• What is a Descriptive Literature Review?
• What is a Scoping Literature Review?
• What is a Realist Literature Review?
• What is a Critical Literature Review?
• Meta Analysis vs. Literature Review
• What is an Umbrella Literature Review?
• Introduction

What is an annotated bibliography?

What are the differences between an annotated bibliography and a literature review, key components of an annotated bibliography, how to create an annotated bibliography.

• Literature Review vs. Theoretical Framework
• How to Write a Literature Review?
• How to Structure a Literature Review?
• How to Make a Cover Page for a Literature Review?
• How to Write an Abstract for a Literature Review?
• How to Write a Literature Review Introduction?
• How to Write the Body of a Literature Review?
• How to Write a Literature Review Conclusion?
• How to Make a Literature Review Bibliography?
• How to Format a Literature Review?
• How Long Should a Literature Review Be?
• Examples of Literature Reviews
• How to Present a Literature Review?
• How to Publish a Literature Review?

Differences Between Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews

Annotated bibliographies and literature reviews are essential components of the academic research process . While they serve different purposes, both play a crucial role in helping researchers engage with existing scholarship. An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and other sources on a particular topic, accompanied by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph (the annotation) for each source. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to inform the reader of the sources' relevance, accuracy, and quality.

A literature review , on the other hand, is a written summary of a specific topic's state-of-the-art knowledge that provides a description and a critical evaluation. It helps determine what research has already been done and what further research is needed, identifying gaps and opportunities for future research. Understanding the differences and relationships between an annotated bibliography and a literature review is vital for conducting thorough and meaningful research.

An annotated bibliography serves a different purpose than a literature review. It is a curated list of references that includes an "annotation" which is a short summary, evaluation, and reflection for each source. It helps researchers organize and assess the relevance and quality of literature on their topic. Each entry starts with a citation, followed by an annotation that captures the source's main argument and its role in the research.

Annotated bibliographies Collect sources with summaries and analyses, connecting them to a research question . They are typically used in the preliminary stages of research and before writing a literature review. They also help identify key themes, trends, and gaps in existing research. This critical overview ensures that the research is well-supported by trustworthy and pertinent sources.

Annotated bibliographies and literature reviews have a specific purpose in research yet their processes are similar. Annotated bibliographies focus on summarizing the literature, while literature reviews provide a summary, critical analysis, synthesis, and overview of prior research done on a subject. Literature reviews include an organized discussion to help plan and create a comprehensive overview of existing research, while annotated bibliographies provide an opportunity to review and analyze individual sources.

In many cases, researchers make an annotated bibliography to prepare for a literature review as they synthesize multiple sources to present major themes, arguments, and theories around a topic. This helps them build a comprehensive overview of the groundwork for more in-depth reviews. It is also the first step in identifying knowledge gaps to guide future research directions.

A literature review, on the other hand, is an organized discussion that needs a research question to guide the search efforts. Literature reviews usually gather more resources and concluding current research is part of the process. It objectively criticizes and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s arguments. When comparing annotated bibliography vs literature review components, literature reviews have a more developed writing structure that includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, while annotated bibliographies comprise brief summaries of each article.

Annotated bibliographies and literature reviews are essential for academic research and make research easier. They provide a framework for understanding existing research and planning future research and are crucial for completing research papers and proposals. Both annotated bibliographies and literature reviews require careful organization and critical thinking. An annotated bibliography structures the literature review by categorizing sources and determining their relevance to the research questions.

By mastering literature reviews and annotated bibliographies, researchers can effectively navigate the research process , identify gaps in existing research, and contribute to the scholarly conversation on a topic. Effective annotated bibliographies and literature reviews contribute to positive research outcomes and academic success.

Quality literature reviews start with ATLAS.ti

From compiling literature to writing your literature review, ATLAS.ti is there for you at every step. See how with a free trial.

In an annotated bibliography, the two main components are the citation and the annotation. The citation includes the complete bibliographic information for the source depending on the selected style, such as APA, MLA or Chicago style. The annotation is a write-up or evaluation of the source and can be a summary, evaluation, or reflection.

Annotated bibliographies gather key points and these two approaches to assessing literature enable. When the author decides to write a reflection, they can provide personal arguments and personal reactions on a research paper and identify where further research is required.

An annotated bibliography provides a comprehensive overview of the research available on a topic and helps evaluate the relevance and quality of the sources. It helps organize sources systematically and enhances understanding of the existing academic literature and its gaps. It assists in writing a literature review by providing a quick reference list of relevant sources and insights for further research.

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations of books, articles, and other sources. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. Here are the essential steps when writing an annotated bibliography:

• Choose your sources : Select sources relevant to your research topic and identify articles, books, and other resources.
• Cite each source : Format the citation according to the required style guide. The citation includes the author's name, title of the work, publication date, and other relevant details.
• Write the annotations : Start by summarizing the source, providing a brief overview of its main argument or purpose and the topics it covers. Next, evaluate the source, considering the author's qualifications, the publication date, and the intended audience. Finally, reflect on how the source fits into your research, explaining how it helps shape your understanding of the topic and whether you will use it to support your argument, provide background information, or offer a contrasting perspective.
• Organize the entries : Typically, entries are organized alphabetically by the first author's last name.

Annotated bibliographies and literature reviews serve distinct yet complementary purposes in the research process. An annotated bibliography provides a detailed account of individual sources, summarizing, evaluating, and reflecting on their relevance to a specific research topic. This preliminary step is crucial for organizing and assessing the available literature. It sets the foundation for a comprehensive literature review.

A literature review builds on this groundwork by synthesizing and analyzing the collective body of research. It identifies trends, gaps, and key findings. Together, these two approaches to assessing literature researchers to critically engage with existing knowledge, providing a structured and thorough understanding of their research field. By first creating an annotated bibliography, researchers ensure that their literature review is well-informed, focused, and contributes meaningfully to the academic conversation.

Develop powerful annotated bibliographies with ATLAS.ti

Use our intuitive data analysis platform to make the most of your literature reviews. Get started with a free trial.

📕 Studying HQ

Understanding Literature Review vs Annotated Bibliography

Bob cardens.

• November 30, 2023
• How to Guides

A literature review is kind of like an annotated bibliography because they both involve summarizing research about a specific topic. Because of this similarity, some students mix up these two different parts of a research paper. If you’re one of those students who gets them mixed up, don’t worry!

In this article, you’ll find out the main differences between a literature review and an annotated bibliography. Understanding these differences will clear up any confusion you might have about them.

Let’s dive in.

What You'll Learn

What Is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a valuable research tool that provides a list of sources along with concise annotations . These annotations offer a brief summary or analysis of the sources, highlighting their relevance and quality .

Annotations typically consist of a 150-250 word description or interpretation, allowing readers to quickly assess the value of each source. By including annotations, the annotated bibliography helps researchers delve deeper into the topic and gather information for their own research.

Annotated bibliographies play a vital role in academic writing by not only providing information for readers but also aiding writers in developing their thesis. Through the process of critically evaluating sources and creating annotations, students gain a better understanding of their subject matter.

They can assess the strengths and weaknesses of each source, identify key arguments, and make connections between different works. This comprehensive evaluation allows writers to present a well-rounded analysis in their own research and support their arguments effectively.

“An annotated bibliography is a valuable research tool that provides a list of sources along with concise annotations.”

When creating an annotated bibliography , it is important to remember that the quality of the annotations is just as important as the selection of sources. The descriptions or interpretations should be clear, concise, and focused on the main ideas of each source.

It’s also crucial to consider the relevance of the sources to your research topic and to evaluate their credibility . By including annotations that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each source, the annotated bibliography serves as a guide for readers and a resource for researchers.

How to Write an Annotated Bibliography Step-by-Step

When writing an annotated bibliography, it is important to follow a step-by-step process to ensure that your annotations are informative, well-structured, and relevant. Here are the key steps to consider:

• Analysis of Sources: Begin by analyzing the sources you have collected for your bibliography. Evaluate the author’s qualifications , the credibility of the source, and consider the intended audience . Look for any errors or biases that may impact the reliability of the information.
• Evaluating Sources: Once you have analyzed the sources, evaluate their relevance and quality. Consider how each source contributes to your research topic and assess its significance. This critical analysis will help you determine which sources to include in your annotated bibliography.
• Writing Descriptive Annotations: When creating annotations, you can choose between different types, including descriptive, summary, or evaluation annotations . Descriptive annotations provide a quick summary of the source, highlighting the key points and main arguments.
• Writing Summary Annotations: Summary annotations go beyond a simple summary and provide a more detailed overview of the source. They highlight the main points, arguments, and findings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the source.
• Writing Evaluation Annotations: Evaluation annotations involve a critical analysis of the source. Here, you assess the reliability, bias , and credibility of the information presented. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the source and determine its relevance to your research.
• Choosing Writing Styles: It is important to use the appropriate writing style for your annotations. Depending on the length and complexity of the source, you can use short phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs to convey your analysis effectively.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your annotated bibliography provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the sources, supporting your research and enhancing your understanding of the topic.

Remember, an annotated bibliography is not just a list of sources. It is an opportunity to engage with the materials, critically analyze them, and demonstrate your understanding of their relevance to your research. Take the time to carefully evaluate and write informative annotations that provide valuable insights into the sources you have chosen.

Related Article: Difference Between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography Examples

When creating an annotated bibliography , there are different types of annotations and writing styles that can be used. Examples of annotated bibliographies can help illustrate these variations and provide guidance on how to effectively structure and format your own annotations. Below are three types of annotations commonly used in annotated bibliographies:

1. Indicative Annotations

Indicative annotations provide a brief summary of the source without going into too much detail. They give the reader a general idea of the content and focus of the source, helping them determine its relevance to their research. Here’s an example of an indicative annotation:

“This article explores the impact of climate change on biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. It discusses the various factors contributing to biodiversity loss, such as rising sea levels, habitat degradation, and pollution. The author also suggests potential conservation strategies to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on coastal biodiversity.”

2. Informative Annotations

Informative annotations provide a more detailed overview of the source, summarizing its main arguments, methodologies, and key findings. They offer a deeper understanding of the source’s content and help the reader assess its relevance and reliability. Here’s an example of an informative annotation:

“In this book, the author examines the role of social media in shaping political discourse and public opinion. The study analyzes the impact of platforms like Twitter and Facebook on political campaigns, discussing their potential to both facilitate democratic participation and spread misinformation. The author uses case studies and empirical evidence to support their arguments, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between technology and politics.”

3. Evaluation Annotations

Evaluation annotations not only summarize the source but also critically assess its strengths, weaknesses, and overall quality. They provide an evaluation of the source’s reliability, credibility, and bias , helping the reader make informed decisions about its use in their research. Here’s an example of an evaluation annotation:

“This research article presents a novel approach to renewable energy generation using solar panels integrated into building facades. The study includes an in-depth analysis of the energy output, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed system. While the findings are promising, the author acknowledges certain limitations, such as the need for further testing and optimization. Overall, this article offers valuable insights into the potential of building-integrated solar panels as a sustainable energy solution.”

Remember to follow the appropriate citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, when formatting your annotated bibliography. Each annotation should be concise, informative, and relevant to your research topic, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the source’s content and its significance to your study.

What Is a Literature Review?

In the research process , a literature review plays a vital role in reviewing and tying together existing research on a specific topic. Unlike an annotated bibliography, a literature review goes beyond summarizing individual sources and focuses on analyzing and synthesizing the findings and theories of multiple studies.

By thoroughly examining the existing research, a literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge base and identifies any gaps in the literature.

A well-written literature review serves as the foundation for further research and thesis development . It not only defines the main ideas and concepts related to the topic but also helps in formulating the research methodology .

Through the synthesis of relevant literature, a literature review offers insights into the implications and potential directions for future research. By critically evaluating and analyzing existing studies, researchers can contribute to the knowledge base and advance understanding in their field.

Literature Review Key Points:

• A literature review reviews and ties together existing research.
• It goes beyond summarizing individual sources.
• A literature review identifies gaps in the existing literature.
• It lays the foundation for further research and thesis development .
• A literature review offers insights into implications and directions for future research.

Difference Between Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography

In the realm of academic research, two common tools used to analyze sources are literature reviews and annotated bibliographies. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between the two. Understanding these variances can help researchers effectively employ each method to enhance their study.

A literature review is a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing research on a specific topic. Its purpose is to examine the scope , depth , and relevance of the current body of knowledge. By delving into various studies and theories, a literature review not only identifies gaps in the research but also provides a foundation for thesis development . It goes beyond summarizing sources and explores methodologies, implications, and potential directions for future inquiry.

An annotated bibliography, on the other hand, primarily serves as a list of sources accompanied by brief summaries or evaluations known as annotations. While it also involves analyzing sources, its focus is on providing a resource for assessing the relevance and quality of the materials. An annotated bibliography is useful for researchers to quickly evaluate sources, but it does not offer the same depth of analysis and synthesis as a literature review.

Table: Comparison between Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography

In summary, while both literature reviews and annotated bibliographies involve source analysis, they serve different purposes and have distinct approaches. A literature review offers a comprehensive analysis of existing research, while an annotated bibliography provides a resource for evaluating sources . Understanding these differences is crucial for researchers to effectively utilize these tools in their academic endeavors.

Methods of Conducting a Literature Review and Creating an Annotated Bibliography

When conducting a literature review , there are several methods that can be employed to ensure a thorough and comprehensive analysis of existing research . The process starts with searching for relevant sources, using databases, academic journals, and other reputable scholarly sources to gather a wide range of studies and articles.

Once the sources are collected, the next step is to evaluate their relevance and quality. This involves assessing the author’s qualifications , the credibility of the publication or journal, and the intended audience . By critically evaluating the sources, researchers can ensure that they are using reliable and trustworthy information for their literature review.

After evaluating the sources, the next step is to select the most appropriate ones for inclusion in the literature review. This means choosing sources that are directly relevant to the research question or topic at hand. Once the sources are selected, they need to be organized in a coherent manner. This can be done by categorizing the sources based on their main themes or topics, allowing for a structured and logical presentation of the literature review.

Analyzing and synthesizing the information gathered from the sources is a crucial step in conducting a literature review . This involves critically evaluating the findings and theories presented in the research and identifying common themes or trends.

By synthesizing the existing research, researchers can provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge base and identify any gaps or areas for further investigation. The literature review should also highlight the implications of the findings and suggest directions for future research.

In conclusion, the literature review and annotated bibliography are essential components of the research process . While both involve analysis and synthesis, they serve different purposes in academic writing.

The literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of existing research on a specific topic, helping to identify gaps and contribute to the knowledge base. On the other hand, the annotated bibliography serves as a list of sources with brief summaries or evaluations, allowing readers to assess the relevance and quality of the sources.

By understanding the differences between these two tools and utilizing them effectively, researchers can enhance their understanding of a topic, develop their thesis, and contribute to the existing knowledge base. Both the literature review and annotated bibliography are valuable resources that can strengthen the research and writing process.

For more guidance and inspiration, StudyingHq.com offers a free Essays and Papers Database with thousands of essay examples, samples, guides, topics, and research papers. Additionally, if you need writing help within a short timeframe, you can rely on expert writers who can provide assistance in 2-3 hours.

What is the difference between a literature review and an annotated bibliography?

A literature review is a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing research on a specific topic, while an annotated bibliography is a list of sources with brief summaries or evaluations.

What is the purpose of an annotated bibliography?

The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide information for the reader and help the writer delve deeper into the topic by critically evaluating the sources and creating annotations.

How do you write an annotated bibliography?

Writing an annotated bibliography involves analyzing sources, evaluating their credibility, and creating annotations that can be descriptive, summary, or evaluation-based.

What are the different types of annotations in an annotated bibliography?

The different types of annotations in an annotated bibliography include  indicative annotations ,  informative annotations , and evaluation annotations, which provide different levels of summary and analysis.

What is the purpose of a literature review?

The purpose of a literature review is to  review and tie together  the findings and theories of various studies on a specific topic, demonstrating their importance and relevance and identifying gaps in the existing literature.

How do you conduct a literature review?

Conducting a literature review involves searching for relevant sources, evaluating their quality,  selecting  the most appropriate ones, and  organizing  and analyzing the information to provide a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing research.

What are the similarities between a literature review and an annotated bibliography?

Both involve evaluating and analyzing sources, gathering information on a topic, and organizing and synthesizing the findings. They are both tools used in the research and writing process.

How can literature reviews and annotated bibliographies enhance the research process?

By utilizing both tools effectively, researchers can enhance their understanding of a topic, identify research gaps, and contribute to the existing knowledge base.

Source Links

• https://www.bibliography.com/examples/annotated-bibliography-writing-guide-with-examples/
• https://edtechbooks.org/rapidwriting/lit_rev_intro
• https://open.byu.edu/rapidwriting/lit_rev_intro

Start by filling this short order form order.studyinghq.com

And then follow the progressive flow. 

Having an issue, chat with us here

Cathy, CS. 

New Concept ? Let a subject expert write your paper for You​

Have a subject expert write for you now, have a subject expert finish your paper for you, edit my paper for me, have an expert write your dissertation's chapter.

Typically replies within minutes

Hey! 👋 Need help with an assignment?

🟢 Online | Privacy policy

WhatsApp us

Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review

• By Prof M Lambert
• November 12, 2020

If you’re undertaking a research project or writing a thesis in the US, be it at undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD level, you may be wondering what the difference between an annotated bibliography and a literature review is.

Both are important sections of a research paper and aim to give context to the sources cited around a particular research problem. A literature review places a stronger emphasis on the importance of the findings of a paper, whilst an annotated bibliography focuses on the quality, validity, and relevance of the source of information itself.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review summarises the research findings of others in a specific topic (this can be from a range of publications including scholarly journal articles, textbooks, interviews, and magazines), critically appraises their work, and uses this information to develop the research project at hand. The purpose of this section is also to identify any gaps in knowledge that exist in the research topic and how your research project can help address them. The literature review also allows you to question the research carried out, for example: does one author’s argument conflict with another’s?, or are a particular author’s conclusions valid?

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

Firstly, a bibliography is the list of sources referred to in a body of work. You should be familiar with this for any essay you have written – think of the APA style references you normally include. This includes important information about the source such as the author name, document title, date of publication, and page number (if applicable). The exact information differs depending on the source type – for example, a scholarly journal article may require a DOI ( Digital Object Identifier ) to be included in the citation, whilst a website will require a URL. The bibliography has several uses, primarily it serves as a reference point for readers who wish to read further into the statements made in a body of work. It also allows readers to question statements and verify the information provided in the body of work.

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used in your body of work, which includes a brief summary for each source. These summary annotations evaluate the sources of information with regards to their accuracy and quality and identify any potential reasons for bias. As with a standard bibliography, an annotated bibliography should present sources alphabetically in a list-style format. The source summaries are typically around 150 words, though this can vary depending on the nature of the source.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review – What are the differences?

The literature review is presented in a more conversational tone (essay format), as it looks to relate the findings of the source to the research question under review. In comparison, the annotated bibliography is much more structured and factual. It may evaluate sources that only have an indirect relevance to the current project.

Another difference is the length. As mentioned earlier, the annotation summaries are around 150 words per source. The literature review, on the other hand, is typically somewhere between 6,000 – 12,000 words. This reinforces the fact that the annotated bibliography is a concise assessment of the source, whilst the literature review is a comprehensive appraisal of the current knowledge and contributions around a particular topic. For example, the annotated bibliography may comment on a research paper which conducted a similar study and note information such as the scale of the experiments, how they were conducted, and which parameters were controlled. In the literature review this same source of information may be discussed further: what were the limitations of this type of experiment, how does the methodology compare to other studies, do the findings support your argument, and was the scale big enough to draw valid conclusions.

Students preparing a dissertation or thesis should use their annotation summaries to help develop their literary review. This can be done by using the information provided in the bibliography as a reference point to help paint the bigger picture in the literature review.

Are you always finding yourself working on sections of your research tasks right up until your deadlines? Are you still finding yourself distracted the moment

This article will answer common questions about the PhD synopsis, give guidance on how to write one, and provide my thoughts on samples.

Learn more about using cloud storage effectively, video conferencing calling, good note-taking solutions and online calendar and task management options.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Browse PhDs Now

A concept paper is a short document written by a researcher before starting their research project, explaining what the study is about, why it is needed and the methods that will be used.

In the UK, a dissertation, usually around 20,000 words is written by undergraduate and Master’s students, whilst a thesis, around 80,000 words, is written as part of a PhD.

Prof Mair gained her PhD in cognitive neuroscience from Bournemouth University in 2004. She is now a consultant working with the fashion industry and published her book in 2018.

Dr Hooper gained his PhD in evolutionary biology from the the University of Sheffield. He is now a journalist and writer (last book called Superhuman) and podcast editor at New Scientist.

Join Thousands of Students

Annotated bibliographies are different from literature reviews

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources that includes a brief summary and evaluation of each source. It provides a list of sources related to a specific topic and a brief description of each source’s content and quality. An annotated bibliography is often used to help organize and keep track of sources for a research project.

On the other hand, a literature review is a comprehensive summary and evaluation of the existing research on a specific topic. A literature review aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on a topic, highlighting important findings, gaps, and controversies. It synthesizes the existing research and provides an analysis of the current state of knowledge on a topic.

So while both annotated bibliographies and literature reviews involve summarizing and evaluating sources, the main difference is that an annotated bibliography is a list of sources with brief summaries and evaluations, while a literature review is a comprehensive summary and evaluation of the existing research on a topic.

abby koehler

Research Methods at SCS

• Basic Strategies

Literature Reviews

Annotated bibliographies, writing the literature review, matrix for organizing sources for literature reviews / annotated bibliographies, sample literature reviews.

• Qualitative & Quantitative Methods
• Case Studies, Interviews & Focus Groups
• White Papers

A literature review is a synthesis of published information on a particular research topics. The purpose is to map out what is already known about a certain subject, outline methods previously used, prevent duplication of research, and, along these lines, reveal gaps in existing literature to justify the research project.

Unlike an annotated bibliography, a literature review is thus organized around ideas/concepts, not the individual sources themselves. Each of its paragraphs stakes out a position identifying related themes/issues, research design, and conclusions in existing literature.

An annotated bibliography  is a bibliography that gives a summary of each article or book. The purpose of annotations is to provide the reader with a summary and an evaluation of the source. Each summary should be a concise exposition of the source's central idea(s) and give the reader a general idea of the source's content.

The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to:

• review the literature of a particular subject;
• demonstrate the quality and depth of reading that you have done;
• exemplify the scope of sources available—such as journals, books, websites and magazine articles;
• highlight sources that may be of interest to other readers and researchers;
• explore and organize sources for further research.

Further Reading:

• Annotated Bibliographies (Purdue OWL)
• How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography (Cornell University)

" Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students " 2009. NC State University Libraries

Review the following websites for tips on writing a literature review:

Literature Reviews. The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Write a Literature Review: Virginia Commonwealth University. 

• Matrix for Organizing Sources

Levac, J., Toal-Sullivan, D., & O`Sullivan, T. (2012). Household Emergency Preparedness: A Literature Review.  Journal Of Community Health ,  37 (3), 725-733. doi:10.1007/s10900-011-9488-x

Geale, S. K. (2012). The ethics of disaster management.  Disaster Prevention and Management,  21 (4), 445-462. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09653561211256152

• << Previous: Basic Strategies
• Next: Qualitative & Quantitative Methods >>
• Last Updated: Jan 26, 2024 10:52 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.georgetown.edu/research

Annotated Bibliography: Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

• Research Help
• Example of MLA Annotated Bibliography
• Citation Help
• Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

Literature Review vs. Annotated Bibliography

The purpose of a literature review is to provide an overview of existing academic literature on a specific topic and an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s arguments. You are summarizing what research is available on a certain topic and then drawing conclusions about the topic.

An annotated bibliography is a list of resources that you have gathered on a topic that includes an annotation following the reference.  Like a References list, annotated bibliographies gather all resources discovered in the research process in one document. Each citation in the bibliography is followed by an annotation, a summary of that source.

An annotated bibliography is different from a literature review because it serves a different purpose. Annotated bibliographies focus on sources gathered for a specific research project. A literature review attempts to take a comprehensive approach to evaluate all of the research available on a particular question or a topic to create the foundation for a research paper. This review is often incorporated at the beginning of a research paper in its own section but it may also form the thesis for the paper.

Or as the University of North Alabama puts it " An annotated bibliography examines each source based on its relationship to the topic; a literature review draws together multiple sources to examine where they agree or disagree ."

Comparison Chart

Literature Review Example

• << Previous: Citation Help
• Last Updated: Feb 22, 2024 4:22 PM
• URL: https://libguides.sctech.edu/annotatedbib

Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews

• Organizing and Managing your Resources
• Define Your Research Question
• Search The Literature

What is an Annotated Bibliography

What is a Literature Review - video

Michelle Early

Difference Between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography

Literature review.

A literature review should not be confused with an annotated bibliography. A literature review is not simply a summary of information you have found on a topic. Literature reviews are more in depth and provides analysis of multiple works relating to a research question. An annotated bibliography is a list of the resources, that you consulted when working on a research project. Each citation is accompanied by a brief written analysis of its usefulness to your research.

Courtesy of Washington University Library

“Library Guides: Annotated Bibliographies: Overview.” Overview - Annotated Bibliographies - Library Guides at University of Washington Libraries , guides.lib.uw.edu/tacoma/annotated.

Purdue Owl Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews

Purdue owl annotated bibliography information, annotated bibliography breakdown, stem cell research: an annotated bibliography.

Holland, Suzanne. The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy . Boston: MIT P, 2001.

This is the annotation of the above source, which is formatted according to MLA 2016 (8 th ed.) guidelines for the bibliographic information listed above. If one were really writing an annotation for this source, one would offer a brief summary of what this book says about stem cell research.

After a brief summary, it would be appropriate to assess this source and offer some criticisms of it. Does it seem like a reliable and current source? Why? Is the research biased or objective? Are the facts well documented? Who is the author? Is she qualified in this subject? Is this source scholarly, popular, some of both?

The length of your annotation will depend on the assignment or on the purpose of your annotated bibliography. After summarizing and assessing, you can now reflect on this source. How does it fit into your research? Is this a helpful resource? Too scholarly? Not scholarly enough? Too general/specific? Since "stem cell research" is a very broad topic, has this source helped you to narrow your topic?

Senior, K. "Extending the Ethical Boundaries of Stem Cell Research." Trends in Molecular Medicine , vol. 7, 2001, pp. 5-6.

Not all annotations have to be the same length. For example, this source is a very short scholarly article. It may only take a sentence or two to summarize. Even if you are using a book, you should only focus on the sections that relate to your topic.

Not all annotated bibliographies assess and reflect; some merely summarize. That may not be the most helpful for you, but, if this is an assignment, you should always ask your instructor for specific guidelines.

Wallace, Kelly. "Bush Stands Pat on Stem Cell Policy." CNN . 13 Aug. 2001.

Using a variety of sources can help give you a broader picture of what is being said about your topic. You may want to investigate how scholarly sources are treating this topic differently than more popular sources. But again, if your assignment is to only use scholarly sources, then you will probably want to avoid magazines and popular web sites.

Writing a Literature Review - Purdue Owl

A literature review is a document or section of a document that collects key sources on a topic and discusses those sources in conversation with each other (also called synthesis ). The lit review is an important genre in many disciplines, not just literature (i.e., the study of works of literature such as novels and plays). When we say “literature review” or refer to “the literature,” we are talking about the research ( scholarship ) in a given field. You will often see the terms “the research,” “the scholarship,” and “the literature” used mostly interchangeably.

• Next: Organizing and Managing your Resources >>
• Last Updated: Aug 14, 2024 10:55 AM
• URL: https://libguides.xavier.edu/Bib_lit

• WESTCHESTER CAMPUS
• Social Media Center
• Directories

ENG 201: Research Introduction, Annotated Bibliography & Literature Review (PLV)

• Research Introduction

Annotated Bibliographies & Literature Reviews

Writing an annotated bibliography, why do we write literature reviews, what are scholarly journals & peer review.

• Strategic Searching
• Locating Sources Online & At Pace
• Citing Your Sources

How are annotated bibliographies and literature reviews related? 

Annotated bibliographies collect sources and present citations along with a summary and analysis that connects the information to your research question. In a literature review , the author synthesizes multiple sources together to present the major themes, arguments and theories around a topic. 

Therefore, an annotated bibliography can provide an opportunity to review and analyze individual sources before o rganizing them around common denominators found across sources. 

Creating an annotated bibliography: 

• Review your assignment to determine how your professor would like your annotated bibliography to look.
• Search ! The "Strategic Searching" and "Locating Sources Online & At Pace" pages on this guide for assistance in locating potential sources. 
• Create the citations for your sources. 
• Write a paragraph for each citation summarizing, analyzing and determining the relevance of that source to your paper.                                                                       Icon by freepik

Examples: 

• University of Wisconsin: Annotated Bibliographies Research Guide This Research Guide page walks through the step by step process of creating an annotated bibliography.
• Rasmussen College: Annotated Bibliography Research Guide Watch the video and see an example of an annotated bibliography.

Literature reviews serve a purpose in research by: 

• Showing the writer's understanding of their topic area including key concepts, terminology, theories and definitions
• Identifying what research has been done in that area
• Finding gaps in the research or current areas of interest to help the writer tweak their own research question, if needed
• Identifying main areas of agreement, disagreement or controversy within the topic area
• Convincing the reader that your research question is significant, important and interesting

You are writing a MAP to the scholarly conversation on your topic.

• Planning and Creating a Literature Review Video Tips for searching, analyzing, and organizing sources for your literature review.

For your Literature Review you will summarize, evaluate, and synthesize, existing scholarship related to your research question. This "scholarship" is found in academic, scholarly, peer-reviewed journals. These differ from magazines and articles written for the general public because scholarly journals are written for researchers and experts in the discipline area. 

Click the link below titled, "Anatomy of a Scholarly Journal Article" to view an  interactive journal article and review what each section means.

You may need a few peer reviewed sources for your literature review. But what does that mean?

Peer-reviewed and refereed publications  include articles that are read and approved by an editor and one or more experts in that field to confirm accuracy of information and the contribution of that information to the scholarly conversation. 

• Anatomy of a Scholarly Journal Article Click to explore what makes up a "scholarly journal article." From the North Carolina State University Library.
• How to Read a Scholarly Article A visual demonstration, from Western Libraries.
• How to Read a Scholarly Article (NC State) Insight from three faculty at NC State on how to read a scholarly article.
• Example of a Scholarly Article
• Example #2 of a Scholarly Journal
• << Previous: Research Introduction
• Next: Strategic Searching >>
• Last Updated: Jul 1, 2024 11:43 AM
• URL: https://libguides.pace.edu/eng201
• © Pace University
• Work at Pace
• Privacy Policy

• How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography
• East Tennessee State University
• Literature Reviews
• What is an Annotated Bibliography?
• Examples of Annotated Bibliographies

Difference between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

Although both types of writing involve examining sources, a literature review attempts to correlate the information and draw connections between the sources.

Examples of Literature Reviews

• Student Example
• Journal Example

Citation Help

• MLA Center The Modern Language Association website can help you cite sources in MLA style.
• APA Style Blog The American Psychology Association can help you cite sources in APA style.
• Chicago Manual of Style Use this site to help you site sources in Chicago Manual of Style.
• Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) Purdue's Online Language Writing Lab contains up-to-date information on MLA and APA styles.

What is a Literature Review?

Literature Review - from The Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill

A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period. It usually has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap of the important information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a reshuffling, of that information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the field, including major debates.

Organizing a Literature Review

There is not one "standard" for literature reviews but they should include the following:

• Introduction: Gives a quick idea of the topic of the literature review, such as the central theme or organizational pattern.
• Body: Contains your discussion of sources and is organized either chronologically, thematically, or methodologically (see below for more information on each).
• Conclusions/Recommendations: Discuss what you have drawn from reviewing literature so far. Where might the discussion proceed?

Organizing your literature review:

• Chronological: If your review follows the chronological method, you write about your materials according to when they were published. The oldest date is first and the most recent publication date is last.
• By publication: Order your sources by publication chronology, then, only if the order demonstrates a more important trend.
• By trend: A better way to organize sources chronologically is to examine the sources under another trend, such as the history of whaling. Then your review would have subsections according to eras within this period.
• Thematic: Thematic reviews of literature are organized around a topic or issue, rather than the progression of time. However, progression of time may still be an important factor in a thematic review. For instance, a thematic review of material on sperm whales might examine how they are portrayed as "evil" in cultural documents. The subsections might include how they are personified, how their proportions are exaggerated, and their behaviors misunderstood. A review organized in this manner would shift between time periods within each section according to the point made.
• Methodological: A methodological approach differs from the two above in that the focusing factor usually does not have to do with the content of the material. Instead, it focuses on the "methods" of the researcher or writer. A methodological scope will influence either the types of documents in the review or the way in which these documents are discussed.
• << Previous: Examples of Annotated Bibliographies

Call Local Call Toll-Free Text Email Research Help

Call Toll-Free

Things to remember.

Be Selective

Summarize and Synthesize

Keep Your Own Voice

Use Caution When Paraphrasing

Revise, Revise, Revise

Source: Literature Reviews - The Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill

Things to Clarify

Items to clarify if not in assignment:

• How many sources should be included?
• What types of sources should be included? (scholarly articles, books, websites, etc.)
• Should information be reviewed by a common theme or issue?
• Should subheadings and background information be provided? (i.e. definitions and/or a history?)
• Should the review be in chronological or publication order?
• Last Updated: Aug 14, 2023 10:48 AM
• URL: https://libraries.etsu.edu/guides/howto/lib101annotatedbibliographies

Reference Guide: Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

• Open Access Journals
• Requesting Items from OneSearch
• Submitting an ILL request manually
• Checking on your Requests/Loans
• Google Scholar
• Faculty Resources
• Primary & Secondary Sources
• Looking up if it is Peer-Reviewed
• Grey Literature
• Videos & Tutorials
• Searching for Empirical Articles
• Impact Factors

Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

Sample literature review handouts.

• Online Writing Lab (OWL) at Purdue University
• Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• Literature Reviews This guide from the librarians at the University of Pittsburgh offers information and suggestions on writing your own literature review.

Layout comparison

• << Previous: Impact Factors
• Last Updated: Aug 6, 2024 8:41 PM
• URL: https://libraryguides.fullerton.edu/reference

This site is maintained by Pollak Library .

To report problems or comments with this site, please contact [email protected] . © California State University, Fullerton. All Rights Reserved.

Web Accessibility

CSUF is committed to ensuring equal accessibility to our users. Let us know about any accessibility problems you encounter using this website. We'll do our best to improve things and get you the information you need.

• Adobe Reader
• Microsoft Viewers
• Report An ATI Issue
• Accessible @ CSUF

Differences Finder

Literature Review vs Annotated Bibliography: Key Differences Explained

In the world of academic writing and research, understanding the various types of references and how to use them effectively is essential. Two common but often misunderstood components are the literature review and the annotated …

Published on: Education

In the world of academic writing and research, understanding the various types of references and how to use them effectively is essential. Two common but often misunderstood components are the literature review and the annotated bibliography . Although they share some similarities, they serve different purposes and have distinct structures. This article delves into the key differences between a literature review and an annotated bibliography, aiming to provide clarity for students, researchers, and academics.

Introduction to Literature Reviews

A literature review is a comprehensive summary and evaluation of existing research on a particular topic. It synthesizes and critiques the scholarly work and often forms the foundation of a research paper, thesis, or dissertation. This critical component aims to identify gaps, establish the importance of the current research, and provide a context for new investigation. Literature reviews not only help in understanding what has already been discovered but also in discerning the trends, patterns, and potential future directions within the field.

Introduction to Annotated Bibliographies

On the other hand, an annotated bibliography is a list of citations accompanied by brief descriptions or evaluations of each source. Typically organized in alphabetical order by author’s last name or by theme, each annotation might include a summary, an evaluation of the source’s relevance or quality, and a reflection on its applicability to the research topic. Annotated bibliographies can serve as a research tool, helping scholars to organize their sources and develop a deeper understanding of the available literature.

Structural Differences

The structure of a literature review and an annotated bibliography differs significantly. A literature review is generally organized thematically or chronologically, building a narrative that connects different pieces of research. It involves sectioning the body of the review into relevant topics or themes, discussing and comparing the findings from various studies.

In contrast, an annotated bibliography is a compilation of sources listed individually. Each entry includes a citation followed by the annotation. The structure of each entry typically involves three parts:

• The citation
• The summary of the source
• The evaluation of its relevance and quality

There is no overarching narrative that ties the sources together, making it more of a directory of relevant research.

Purpose and Function

The primary purpose of a literature review is to provide a critical overview of the existing research and to set the stage for new investigations. It helps in identifying what is already known about a topic and what questions remain unanswered, thus guiding future research. It is analytical and interpretive , aiming to provide insights and identify connections between studies.

Conversely, the function of an annotated bibliography is to summarize and assess individual sources. Its main purpose is to inform the reader about the content, quality, and relevance of each source. While it can be an end product in itself for a class assignment, it’s also a valuable tool during the research process, helping scholars keep track of their sources and organize their research.

Depth of Analysis

The depth of analysis varies significantly between literature reviews and annotated bibliographies. A literature review goes beyond mere summaries to provide a critical analysis of the sources. It looks at methodologies, findings, and the implications of different studies, synthesizing them into a coherent narrative that underscores the current state of research and identifies areas for further investigation.

In contrast, an annotated bibliography’s analysis is more concise and source-specific. Each annotation typically includes a brief summary of the source, an evaluation of its quality and relevance, and how it contributes to the research topic. The analysis is more fragmented, as it does not synthesize the sources into a collective assessment.

Examples of Literature Reviews

Literature reviews can vary greatly in format and length depending on the purpose and the scope of the research. For instance, a literature review for a doctoral dissertation might be extensive, running into several pages, and could include a comprehensive bibliography. It would detail prior studies, identify methodological weaknesses, and underscore the need for the current research.

Conversely, a literature review in a journal article might be more concise, focusing on presenting a few key studies directly relevant to the article’s research questions. Regardless of the format, the goal remains the same: to provide a critical evaluation and synthesis of existing research.

Examples of Annotated Bibliographies

Annotated bibliographies can also vary, often shaped by the requirements of the assignment or the needs of the researcher. In a class assignment, an annotated bibliography might include a list of ten sources, each with a citation, a summary, a brief evaluation of the source’s reliability, and an explanation of its relevance to the research topic.

For a research project, an annotated bibliography might be more extensive and detailed, serving as a preliminary step in the literature review process. Each entry would provide comprehensive evaluations, helping to inform the direction and approach of the subsequent research.

When to Use Which

Understanding when to use a literature review versus an annotated bibliography is crucial for effective research. A literature review is ideal when you aim to provide a comprehensive synthesis of research on a topic, especially when preparing for large-scale projects such as thesis, dissertation, or grant proposals. It helps to contextualize your research within the existing body of knowledge, justify your research questions, and define your contributions to the field.

An annotated bibliography, however, is more useful during the initial stages of research. It helps in organizing and evaluating sources, forming a foundational understanding of the available literature. It can also be an end product in undergraduate assignments where the goal is to demonstrate the ability to find, summarize, and evaluate relevant sources.

Understanding the key differences between a literature review and an annotated bibliography can help scholars and students to use these tools more effectively, thereby enhancing the quality and organization of their research.

Historical Context and Evolution

The concepts of literature reviews and annotated bibliographies have evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in academic research methodologies and educational practices. The literature review’s roots can be traced back to the Enlightenment era when scholars began to systematically review existing works to build upon previous knowledge. These reviews were primarily narrative and descriptive, aimed at summarizing the state of knowledge on a particular subject.

By contrast, annotated bibliographies emerged later, largely as a practical tool for researchers to keep track of sources. The evolution of annotated bibliographies can be linked to the increasing complexity and volume of scholarly work. Early annotations were often brief and superficial, focusing primarily on the bibliographic details. However, as the role of annotated bibliographies in research expanded, they became more analytical, providing concise evaluations of each source’s relevance, credibility, and contribution to the field.

In the modern academic landscape, both literature reviews and annotated bibliographies play crucial roles, but their purposes and formats have become more specialized. Literature reviews are now a critical component of research proposals, theses, and dissertations, providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing research to justify new investigations. Annotated bibliographies, on the other hand, have become essential tools for literature management and preliminary research, offering succinct yet informative summaries that help researchers navigate the ever-growing body of academic literature.

Methodological Approaches

The methodological approaches to creating literature reviews and annotated bibliographies differ significantly, reflecting their distinct purposes and formats.

Literature Reviews

A literature review typically involves a systematic process that starts with defining the scope and objectives of the review. This is followed by a comprehensive search for relevant literature using databases, libraries, and other resources. Researchers then critically evaluate and synthesize the findings from these sources, identifying patterns, gaps, and conflicting evidence. The final step involves organizing the synthesized information into a coherent narrative that addresses the research questions or objectives.

Annotated Bibliographies

In contrast, the methodology for creating an annotated bibliography is often more straightforward, yet it requires careful attention to detail and critical assessment skills. The process begins with selecting relevant sources based on predefined criteria such as relevance, credibility, and recency. Each source is then summarized, highlighting the main arguments, methodologies, and findings. This summary is accompanied by an evaluation of the source’s significance and contribution to the research topic. The annotation also includes a brief reflection on how the source will be used in the research project or its relevance to other sources in the bibliography.

While literature reviews demand a holistic understanding of the topic and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives, annotated bibliographies require a more focused approach, with an emphasis on critical reading and succinct writing. Both methodologies, however, are grounded in rigorous research practices and contribute to the overall quality and credibility of academic work.

Sure, here are five FAQs related to the topic “Literature Review vs Annotated Bibliography: Key Differences Explained”:

Q: What is the primary purpose of a literature review?

A: The primary purpose of a literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research on a specific topic. This involves summarizing, synthesizing, and critically analyzing multiple sources to identify trends, gaps, and the current state of knowledge in the field. It helps to contextualize the research question and justify the need for the new study being proposed.

Q: How does an annotated bibliography differ from a literature review in structure?

A: An annotated bibliography consists of a list of citations to books, articles, and documents, each followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph (the annotation). In contrast, a literature review is typically written in essay format, systematically integrated and thematically organized, rather than as a list of discrete entries. The literature review connects the sources to each other to build a coherent narrative relevant to the research topic.

Q: Can an annotated bibliography be a part of a literature review?

A: Yes, an annotated bibliography can be a preliminary step in the process of creating a literature review. It allows researchers to organize their sources, summarize key points, and develop a deeper understanding before integrating the findings into the more comprehensive and synthesized format of a literature review.

Q: Which document is more likely to include a critical evaluation of sources, a literature review or an annotated bibliography?

A: Both documents can include critical evaluations of sources, but they do so in different ways. An annotated bibliography often includes a critical appraisal of each source in its annotation. A literature review, however, goes further by critically analyzing and synthesizing multiple sources to draw broader conclusions about the topic. The synthesis in a literature review helps to provide a more nuanced and integrated evaluation of the research landscape.

Q: When should a researcher choose to write an annotated bibliography over a literature review?

A: A researcher might choose to write an annotated bibliography when they need to provide a summary of sources for a research proposal or a smaller-scale project, where a detailed, synthesized analysis might not be necessary. It’s also useful for organizing initial research and understanding the scope of existing literature. On the other hand, a literature review is more appropriate for comprehensive research projects, such as theses, dissertations, or larger studies, where drawing connections between sources and identifying research gaps is critical.

These FAQs aim to clarify the purposes, structures, and appropriate uses of literature reviews and annotated bibliographies.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

About Diffinder

Understanding the Use of ‘Marine’ as an Adjective in Aquatic Contexts

Distinguishing naked from nude: understanding the subtle differences.

Literature Reviews and Annotated Bibliographies

• What is a Literature Review?
• How to Write a Literature Review?
• Graduate Research and the Literature Review

What is an Annotated Bibliography

• How to Evaluate Sources?
• Citation & Avoiding Plagiarism

Annotated Bibliography:

Sometimes people confused Literature Reviews with Annotated Bibliographies but they are quite different in format but they are similar in purpose, to survey the literature.

So what is an annotated bibliography? "... is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.” Definition from Cornell University Library, available at https://guides.library.cornell.edu/annotatedbibliography/home <Accessed February 1, 2022>

To write a good annotated bibliography you need to be:

• Concise: Go to the point of what is the book/article about, in few words, summarize.
• Evaluative: Determine who is the author, what is his/her expertise in the topic, how reliable is the information
• Critical: Reflect on what is the strength and weakness of the work, what is missing, etc.
• Comparative: how each piece review compares to other similar works

Useful site with tips on how to write an Annotated Bibliography:

• How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography (Cornell University Libraries)
• Purdue OWL: Annotated Bibliographies
• Annotated Bibliographies Library Guide: Suny Empire State College
• How to write an Annotated Bibliography ( Skidmore College Library)
• << Previous: Graduate Research and the Literature Review
• Next: How to Evaluate Sources? >>
• Last updated: Jan 8, 2024 2:52 PM
• URL: https://libguides.asu.edu/LiteratureReviews

The ASU Library acknowledges the twenty-three Native Nations that have inhabited this land for centuries. Arizona State University's four campuses are located in the Salt River Valley on ancestral territories of Indigenous peoples, including the Akimel O’odham (Pima) and Pee Posh (Maricopa) Indian Communities, whose care and keeping of these lands allows us to be here today. ASU Library acknowledges the sovereignty of these nations and seeks to foster an environment of success and possibility for Native American students and patrons. We are advocates for the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge systems and research methodologies within contemporary library practice. ASU Library welcomes members of the Akimel O’odham and Pee Posh, and all Native nations to the Library.

McNair Scholars: Annotated Bibliographies vs. Literature Reviews

• Starting Your Search
• Investigate
• Fact-checking AI with Lateral Reading
• Citation Management Tools
• Annotated Bibliographies vs. Literature Reviews

What is the difference between an Annotated Bibliography and a Literature Review?

Annotated Bibliography - an annotated bibliography is a list of citations with brief notes added below each citation summarizing the content of the article cited (the annotation) included. The annotation accompanying a citation may also contain a short evaluation of the article in addition to a summary. 

Literature Review  - a systematic review of the published material, or scholarly writings, on a specific topic or research question that can be part of a scholarly work or a stand-alone product. The primary goal is analysis - and not simply summarization - of these scholarly writings. This analysis serves to provide background information on your topic and detail the connection between those writings and your research question. 

Learn More - Annotated Bibliographies

Annotated bibliographies are:

• Brief - about 150 words or so
• Summarize and evaluate a source
• Are located under the citation in a bibliography or works cited list
• Are distinct from abstracts, which are mostly a condensed description of an article
• Are distinct from literature reviews.
• Purdue OWL's Annotated Bibliography Page Purdue's Online Writing Lab's page on annotated bibliographies has examples of from the major citation styles and more.
• Writing Center's MLA Annotated Bibliography Handout This handout from the Writing Center is a guide to MLA format annotated bibliographies.

Learn More - Literature Reviews

A Literature Review will help you achieve the following:

• Provides background on research topic
• Guides you in detailing or focusing your own research question
• Provides a framework for research or future research - identifying major themes and concepts
• Offers insights on unexplored ideas related to a topic, gaps in the research
• Assists with avoiding repetition of earlier research
• Tests assumptions; may help counter preconceived ideas and remove unconscious bias
• Identifies points of disagreement, or potentially flawed methodology or theoretical approaches

Searching databases such as  Web of Science, Google Scholar,   and  Dissertations & Theses   is the way you are able to discover the research that has been done on any given subject.

There are many resources available to help you understand what a literature review is and how to write one. Here are a few:

• Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students. A video overview of what a literature review is.
• The Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting It Includes an overview and a set of questions to ask of each source included in the review. This guide is hosted on the University of Toronto's Writing Advice website.
• Writing A Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix This tutorial describes a method of notetaking to help you organize the content of your literature review so you can synthesize a coherent presentation of what different authors have said about different parts of your topic. This method may be useful.

• << Previous: Citation Management Tools
• Last Updated: May 7, 2024 1:44 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.tamucc.edu/mcnair

Home » Education » Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

Main difference – annotated bibliography vs literature review.

Annotated bibliography and literature review summarize and analyze the information gathered from different sources. The difference between annotated bibliography and literature review lies in the way they present information. An annotated bibliography lists the sources separately, followed by short descriptions. But, literature review analyses all the sources together, examining the relationship between them. In addition, differences can also be observed in purpose, format, and components as well.

This article examines,

1. What is an Annotated Bibliography? – Structure, Components, and Purpose 

2. What is a Literature Review? – Structure, Components, and Purpose 

What is an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a bibliography (a list of resources) accompanied by annotations. Annotations are usually short descriptions and critical assessment of each word. The writer will evaluate whether the information from that particular source is relevant to the particular topic and examine the quality of the work. The annotations will contain about 100-200 words. The information about different sources are given separately in an annotated bibliography. The information is listed in alphabetical order. Moreover, each item in the list should use a formal citation style such as APA, MLA or Chicago.

Moreover, annotations may be classified into different types based on their purpose. Informative annotations summarize the source. Evaluative annotations evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the source. The following section is an example of the structure of an annotated bibliography. Here, you can see how different sources are analysed separately. Read more about Annotated Bibliography and how to write it.

What is a Literature Review

A literature review is an evaluative report of information found in the literature related to your selected area of study. It provides an overview of a particular topic or issue by summarizing and explaining the most significant sources in the field. In a literature review, the sources are integrated into paragraphs based on the relevance. Unlike in an annotated bibliography, the sources are not summarized individually. This method helps to establish relationships – similarities and difference – between the literature you have reviewed. In addition, the gaps in the knowledge are highlighted by this presentation of information as a whole. The structure of a literature review is similar to that of an essay or an article. The list of sources is given as a bibliography or reference list at the end of the text.

The following example indicates the structure of a literature review. In this example, you can observe how different sources are analysed to bring out the commonalities or differences. 

Annotated Bibliography: Sources are analyzed separately.

Literature Review: Information from different sources are analyzed together.

Listing Sources

Annotated Bibliography: The source is indicated at the beginning of each section.

Literature Review: The sources are listed at the end of the document, as a bibliography.

Annotated Bibliography: Annotated bibliography comments on the relevance and quality of the information.

Literature Review: Literature review establishes a relationship between different sources and highlights gaps in knowledge.

Annotated Bibliography : Sources are listed alphabetically.

Literature Review: Sources are integrated together according to relevance.

Image Courtesy: Pixaby

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

​You May Also Like These

Literature Review vs. Annotated Bibliography vs. Research Paper... What's the difference?

Literature Review

The purpose of a literature review is to provide an overview of existing academic literature on a specific topic and an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s arguments. You are summarizing what research is available on a certain topic and then drawing conclusions about the topic. To make gathering your research easier, be sure to start with a narrow/specific topic and then widen your topic if necessary.

A literature review is helpful when determining what research has already been discovered through academic research and what further research still needs to be done. Are there gaps? Are there opportunities for further research? What is missing from my collection of resources? Are more resources needed?

It is important to note that the conclusions described in the literature you gather may contradict each other completely or in part.  A literature review gives the researcher an overview and understanding of research findings to date on a particular topic or issue.

Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of resources that you have gathered on a topic that includes an annotation following the reference.  Like a References list, annotated bibliographies gather all resources discovered in the research process in one document. Each citation in the bibliography is followed by an annotation a 5-7 sentence paragraph consisting of a summary, an evaluation, and a reflection of that resource.

An annotated bibliography is different from a literature review because it serves a different purpose. Annotated bibliographies focus on sources gathered for a specific research project. A literature review attempts to take a comprehensive approach to evaluate all of the research available on a particular question or a topic to create the foundation for a research paper. 

For more information, please visit the annotated bibliography page of our APA guide.

Research Paper

A research paper presents a single argument/idea on a topic supported by research that you have gathered. Your own thoughts and opinions will be supported by research that you have gathered on your topic. The resources used in your research paper typically support the argument that you are making.

For more information on writing a research paper, check out our Writing guide .

Generally, either an annotated bibliography or a literature review are written first and set the framework for the final product: your research paper. 

• Reading and Writing
• Research and Library
• General Education & Other
• Annotated Bibliographies
• Research Papers
• Last Updated May 14, 2021
• Views 39836
• Answered By Kate Anderson, Librarian

FAQ Actions

• Share on Facebook

Comments (0)

Hello! We're here to help! Please log in to ask your question.

Need an answer now? Search our FAQs !

How can I find my course textbook?

You can expect a prompt response, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM Central Time (by the next business day on weekends and holidays).

Questions may be answered by a Librarian, Learning Services Coordinator, Instructor, or Tutor. 

• Richard G. Trefry Library
• Writing & Citing

Q. What's the difference between an annotated bibliography and a literature review?

• Course-Specific
• Textbooks & Course Materials
• Tutoring & Classroom Help
• 1 Artificial Intelligence
• 43 Formatting
• 5 Information Literacy
• 13 Plagiarism
• 23 Thesis/Capstone/Dissertation

Answered By: APUS Librarians Last Updated: Apr 14, 2017     Views: 59870

The Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science has these definitions:

"A literature review is a text written by someone to consider the critical points of current knowledge. A comprehensive survey of the works published in a particular field of study or line of research, usually over a specific period of time, in the form of an in-depth, critical bibliographic essay or annotated list in which attention is drawn to the most significant works."

An annotated bibliography is "a brief explanatory or evaluative note is added to each reference or citation. An annotation can be helpful to the researcher in evaluating whether the source is relevant to a given topic or line of inquiry."

While a literature review and annotated bibliography share some similarities, they serve different purposes. A literature review answers a particular question about a particular subject (primarily:  what does the existing scholarly research have to say about my topic?). An annotated bibliography, by contrast, is more focused on the content and contribution of each individual source (and showcases your understanding of each).  

See also: 

• How do I write an annotated bibliography?
• How do I write a literature review?
• Share on Facebook

Was this helpful? Yes 35 No 19

writing tutor

Related Topics

Need personalized help? Librarians are available 365 days/nights per year!  See our schedule.

Learn more about how librarians can help you succeed.    

FYS 567 - What Makes Up Your Mind

• Getting Started with Ladd Library for FYS 567

Understanding an Annotated Bibliography

What about formatting with the apa citation style.

• Ladd Library Tips
• Citation Style for FYS 567 This link opens in a new window

What is an annotated bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to sources, such as books and articles. Each citation is followed by an annotation, a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph, about 150 words long, that analyzes the source. An annotated bibliography usually looks like any other bibliography with alphabetized citations of sources, except that here each source is followed by an explanatory paragraph. This work can form the basis of a literature review later in the writing process. The purpose of the annotation is to inform on the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

What isn't an annotated bibliography?

An annotation is not only a summary of the source in question. It should be a short but critical analysis as to why and how the source fits into the larger research question. An abstract functions as a summary, an annotation should be contextual to the specific topic at hand. It should be both descriptive and evaluative. 

Types of annotations:

• Descriptive: states the topic of the source only
• Evaluative: evaluates the source, which may include placing the work in context of other research or evaluating its usefulness. This is the type expected for most research assignments. 
• Summary: summarizes the source but does not take a stance or make an argument about the source.

Most of the major citation styles call for a hanging first line on annotated bibliographies. This means the first line of the citation will align with the left margin of the page, and all subsequent lines of the citation and annotation will indent to the right. 

Annotated Bibliography Sample

American psychological association (apa) 7th edition.

Stoll, J. S., Leslie, H. M., Britsch, M. L., & Cleaver, C. M. (2019). Evaluating aquaculture as a diversification strategy for Maine’s commercial fishing sector in the face of change. Marine Policy , 107 , 103583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2019.103583

This article discusses the growth of the aquaculture sector in Maine and analyzes the overlap between commercial fishing licenses and aquaculture leases and licenses to determine the extent to which commercial fishers are diversifying into aquaculture. A small percentage of commercial fishers are licensed to do aquaculture and instead, those getting into aquaculture appear to be a new group of ocean users. This has implications for efforts to diversify commercial fishing-dependent livelihoods as a response to climate change impacts. This is relevant to my research in which I am exploring the potential for aquaculture to be a diversification strategy for commercial fishermen. I will likely use this source as supporting evidence that such a transition does not currently appear to be taking place other than for a minority of commercial fishermen.

How To Create This Format

In microsoft word.

• Highlight your citations and annotations.
• Open Format  > Paragraph.  Alternatively, highlight the text, right-click and select Paragraph .
• Under Indentation , there is a drop down menu for Special options. This includes the Hanging First Line .

In Google Docs

• In the  menu, click on Format , then go down to Align & indent , then click on Indentation options .
• In the Indentation options menu, under  Special,  select  Hanging.
• << Previous: Getting Started with Ladd Library for FYS 567
• Next: Ladd Library Tips >>
• Updated: Aug 19, 2024 3:56 PM
• URL: https://libguides.bates.edu/fys567

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Assignment Help
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

Understanding Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review

by  Antony W

August 5, 2024

In this lesson, you will learn about annotated bibliography vs literature review.  

From purpose and structure to components and writing, this guide gives you the differences between annotated bibliography and literature review. 

Our goal in this lesson is simple: to help you know what goes into each type so that you don’t waste your time working on an assignment you have no idea how to handle.

Note that both annotated bibliography and literature reviews both gives a collection of relevant sources, but that’s all there is to what makes them similar.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review

The following are the differences between an annotated bibliography and a literature review. Note that we’ve looked at the differences in terms of purpose, structure, components, and writing.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review: Purpose

By definition, an annotated bibliography is an ordered list of sources with a brief explanation of each source based on a given annotated bibliography topic .

Since each source is a brief and concise exposition of the original author’s central ideas, a reader should be able to get a clear objective of the content of the source.

A literature review, on the other hand, gives a reader an overview of a given topic.

The focus of the author in this case is to provide a comprehensive summary and explanation of the most significant sources in the respective subject.

In addition to giving readers an overview of the already existing academic literature on a subject or topic under investigation, a literature review gives a concise evaluation of the strengths and drawbacks of authors’ arguments.

Usually, you have to look into these existing sources, summarize your research and then draw possible conclusions about the issue in question.

In research development, a literature review is necessary because it enables a researcher to uncover existing studies and find gaps and opportunities in existing studies for further research.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review: Structure

Authors mention sources more than once in literature reviews by integrating them into paragraphs based on the progression of the topic under investigation.

The structure of an annotated bibliography is different in that an author lists sources alphabetically so that they’re easy to locate.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review: Components

Every source item in an annotated bibliography features a formal citation style. Your instructor may ask you to use APA, MLA, or Chicago format to cite a source alongside a short paragraph that explains the credibility and the relevance of the annotation . 

The structure of a literature review is different in that it has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Using this format, an author gives a summary of the topic in the introduction, explain the subject in the body while synthesizing the sources progressively, and then writes a conclusion that summarize the background under investigation.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review: Writing  

When it comes to writing an annotate bibliography, you need to have a separate paragraph describing each source that you cite.

The work examines each source separately based on its relation to the topic under investigation, and you need to make sure you organize these sources alphabetically.

You have to follow each citation with an annotation. Each annotation should be one paragraph with at least 150 words. That’s about 5 to 7 sentences long.

The single most valuable advantage of an annotated bibliography is that it gives a person the freedom to choose whether they would like to explore these sources or look elsewhere altogether.

Check out our comprehensive guide on writing an annotated bibliography to learn more about the topic in-depth.

In the case of a literature review, authors have the freedom to incorporate several sources in their writing, and they can repeat them if necessary.

By drawing together multiple sources, an author is able to determine where the works of literature agree and or disagree.

Instead of organizing sources in an alphabetical order, a literature review uses classification or division, cause or effect, comparison or contrast, and problem or solution to organize the sources. 

Unlike an annotated bibliography, a literature review doesn’t give readers the freedom to choose which sources to explore and which ones to leave out altogether.

Instead, it gives the audience a clear understanding of all the sources used. Check out our comprehensive guide to writing a literature review to learn more about this type of assignment in academic writing.

Get Help with Annotated Bibliography Writing

While collecting sources and organizing them in an alphabetical order is simple, writing the annotated can be somewhat a challenge. It’s challenging for two reasons: either you don’t have the time to complete the work yourself or you have a complex topic to work on.

However, you don’t have to let your annotated bibliography to be a headache at all. Take advantage of our annotated bibliography writing service and let us help you get the work completed in a good time.

Our writers are the best talent in the field. With years of experience in the academic writing industry, not to mention over 500 annotations written so far, we’re no doubt the right team to hire for the job. Plus, you enjoy the benefits of up to 5 revisions at no extra cost if you choose to work with us.

Get Help With Literature Review Writing 

Are you having a difficult time putting together a comprehensive literature review? Maybe you don’t have enough time to handle the assignment and you need help to get the work done? Or maybe your instructor has asked you to explore a topic you don’t like?

If your answer to any, or all, of these questions is a YES, you can count on us to help you. Our literature review writing service is the solution you need. Since we’ve customized this service to suit the need of every student, you can be sure you will get more value for your investment if you choose to work with us.

Take advantage of our 30% discount for your first order and get your literature review written in time.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

AHLT 268: Professional Preparation for Allied Health

• PICO Question
• Literature Review VS Annotated Bibliography
• Scholarly, Popular & Trade Sources
• Books, E-books and DVDs
• Searching Techniques
• Cultural Safety and Cultural Competency in Health Care This link opens in a new window
• APA Help This link opens in a new window
• CRAAP Test This link opens in a new window
• Writing Strategies This link opens in a new window
• Need More Help?
• Academic Integrity Course This link opens in a new window
• Annotated bibliography
• Literature review
• Annotated resource template A sample template for an annotated bibliography
• Sample Annotated bibliography APA format Annotated bibliography: How to create one

Difference Between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography

• << Previous: PICO Question
• Next: Scholarly, Popular & Trade Sources >>
• Last Updated: Aug 16, 2024 3:49 PM
• URL: https://camosun.libguides.com/AHLT268_alliedhealth

First Year Writing: Annotated Bibliography

• Searching Hints
• Searching for Books
• Evaluating Resources Checklist
• How to find Databases in my Major
• Databases & Websites for Primary Sources
• Databases for Articles, Essays, etc.
• Making sense of the database results page
• Reading a Scholarly Article
• What type of source should I use?
• Google vs Databases
• Popular, Scholarly, Peer Review
• Popular, Trade or Scholarly -- Which is it?
• Primary and Secondary
• MLA Citing This link opens in a new window
• Refworks This link opens in a new window
• Annotated Bibliography
• Quoting/Paraphrasing

Annotations

An  annotated bibliography  is a list of citations for various books, articles, and other sources on a topic. The annotated bibliography looks like a Works Cited page but includes an annotation after each source cited. An annotation is a short summary and/or critical evaluation of a source and ranges anywhere from 100-300 words. 

A nnotations can help you learn about your topic, develop a thesis statement, decide if a specific source will be useful for your assignment, and determine if there is enough valid information available to complete your project. They are a great tool in effective research.

Types of Annotations

 A  summary annotation  describes the source by answering the following questions: who wrote the document, what the document discusses, when and where was the document written, why was the document produced, and how was it provided to the public. The focus is on description. 

 An  evaluative annotation  includes a summary as listed above but also critically assesses the work for accuracy, relevance, and quality. Evaluative annotations can help you learn about your topic, develop a thesis statement, decide if a specific source will be useful for your assignment, and determine if there is enough valid information available to complete your project. The focus is on description and evaluation.

Video on Annotated Bibliographies

Useful Links for Annotated Bibliographies

• Annotated Bibliographies Overview of purpose and form of annotated bibliographies from the Purdue OWL
• Annotated Bibliography Samples Includes a sample of one MLA annotated bibliography. From the Purdue OWL. Note: Sample annotation is cited using MLA style, 7th ed.

Basic Tips on Writing and Formatting

• Each annotation should be one or two paragraphs, between three to six sentences long (about 100- 300 words total).
• Start with the same format as a regular Works Cited list, including a 0.5 inch hanging indent for the citations.
• All lines should be double-spaced (though this depends on your professor's preference). Do not add an extra line between the citations.
• Try to be objective, and give explanations if you state any opinions.
• Use the third person (e.g., he, she, the author) instead of the first person (e.g., I, my, me), unless discussing your own research in relation to the source.

Writing an Annotation

• Cite the source using MLA style.
• Describe the main ideas, arguments, themes, theses, or methodology, and identify the intended audience.
• Explain the author’s expertise, point of view, and any bias he/she may have.
• Compare to other sources on the same topic that you have also cited to show similarities and differences.
• Explain why each source is useful for your research topic and how it relates to your topic.
• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each source.
• Identify the observations or conclusions of the author. 

Sample Annotation

London, Herbert. “Five Myths of the Television Age.” Television Quarterly , vol. 10, no. 1, Mar. 1982, pp. 81-89.

Herbert London, the Dean of Journalism at New York University and author of several books and articles, explains how television contradicts five commonly believed ideas. He uses specific examples of events seen on television, such as the assassination of John Kennedy, to illustrate his points. His examples have been selected to contradict such truisms as: “seeing is believing”; “a picture is worth a thousand words”; and “satisfaction is its own reward.” London uses logical arguments to support his ideas which are his personal opinion. He does not refer to any previous works on the topic. London’s style and vocabulary would make the article of interest to any reader. The article clearly illustrates London’s points, but does not explore their implications leaving the reader with many unanswered questions.

Adapted from:

"How to Write Annotated Bibliographies."  Memorial University Libraries , www.library.mun.ca/researchtools/guides/writing/annotated_bibl/. Accessed 29 June 2016.

• << Previous: Refworks
• Next: Plagiarism >>
• Last Updated: Aug 14, 2024 10:19 AM
• URL: https://libraryguides.quinnipiac.edu/FYW

• KSC Directories

Literature Reviews & Annotated Bibliographies

What is a literature review?

Tools to Help you Organize

Tips on conducting the literature review, video: how to read academic research.

• Annotated Bibliographies
• Searching for Peer-Reviewed Articles This link opens in a new window
• Writing an Abstract & Academic Excellence Conference Guidelines
• Citations This link opens in a new window
• Back to Guides This link opens in a new window

Research & Writing Help

Connect with the center for research & writing.

   Chat via the Help & Chat button

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook

A literature review is an account of the research published on a specific topic. Literature reviews help establish what is known or believed about an issue and help identify gaps in knowledge and new areas for research.  Literature reviews are not simply summaries of articles but take a more critical view of the literature that has been published on a topic. 

Literature reviews:

• provide context for new research
• explore the history of the topic
• show relationships between articles on the topic
• show gaps in the research and highlight areas in need of further research

Use an article matrix to organize and keep track of your sources.  A matrix will allow you to see patterns and relationships between the articles you read.  Here are two different matrix you can modify for your needs.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QX7Pv6SZ99PHHJJ_l-Zf9aZo-PEwOPyr5XJAZLTvvLM/edit?usp=sharing

The OWL: Purdue Online Writing Lab is an excellent resource on writing Literature Reviews

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/994/04/

• Literature Review Survival Guide From UTC Libraries

How to Read an Academic paper (without losing your mind)

• Next: Annotated Bibliographies >>
• Last Updated: Aug 16, 2024 8:06 PM
• URL: https://library.keene.edu/literature-reviews

Facebook Twitter Instagram

• Organizations
• Planning & Activities
• Product & Services
• Structure & Systems
• Career & Education
• Entertainment
• Fashion & Beauty
• Political Institutions
• SmartPhones
• Protocols & Formats
• Communication
• Web Applications
• Household Equipments
• Career and Certifications
• Diet & Fitness
• Mathematics & Statistics
• Processed Foods
• Vegetables & Fruits

Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

• Categorized under Language | Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

Have you ever written an essay, a research paper, or a thesis?  If you have, then you must be familiar with what an annotated bibliography is and how to create and use it.  It will also follow that you will have experienced writing a literary review too.  Both are important parts of any thesis or research paper.

While both provide summaries of a specific topic, its content and sources, they differ in the way that these facts are presented.  Both the literary review and annotated bibliography can be about any topic, but literature reviews are usually made with the purpose of answering a particular question about a particular subject while annotated bibliographies are about the importance of the sources of information.

Every essay, research paper, or thesis contains a bibliography.  It is meant to let the people reading the essay know where you obtained the information stated in it and to check and verify the facts that are included therein.  It will also support the conclusions that you have made about a certain topic.

A bibliography contains the name of the author, title of the document, article, or book, date of publication, place of publication, publishing company, volume number, and the page number.  In the case of an online source, the name of the author and editor should be placed together with the URL and the last date that you visited the site.

In many cases, a simple bibliography will not do and you will be required to make an annotated bibliography; that is, a bibliography with annotations.  Annotations are brief summaries, evaluation, and analysis of the content included in your essay and about its sources of information.

An annotated bibliography therefore is an alphabetical list of all the sources of information that you have gathered and used in your essay together with 100-200 word descriptions of each source.  This will inform the readers of the accuracy, relevance, and quality of the sources of information that you have gathered.  It is simply a list of all the sources of information that you have included in your work with a short assessment of each source.

A literary review on the other hand is an essay in itself.  It serves as a guide to a specific topic.  It gives an overview of the topic, evaluates its sources and advices the readers as to what is admissible and important.  It can contain several sections or segments, each with a different subject or argument about the topic.  The arguments can either be contrary or similar to your analysis or thesis.

Literary reviews are meant to summarize and evaluate already published arguments about a certain topic.  It analyzes these arguments, revealing their regularities as well as the irregularities that are present.

Although the scope of literary reviews varies, literary reviews are oftentimes products of annotated bibliographies, providing a story-like use of the references cited in the annotated bibliography.  A good literary review is one which is derived from a good annotated bibliography and every literary review must always come with an annotated bibliography.

Summary: 1. A literary review is a summary about a specific topic while an annotated bibliography is an alphabetical list of the sources of information for the topic with a brief summary and analysis. 2. While an annotated bibliography contains facts about the sources of information, the literary review contains a summary, evaluation, and analysis of a particular topic or argument. 3. The annotated bibliography informs readers about the accuracy, relevance and quality of the source while the literary review informs the readers about the topic’s pros and cons and how the author’s insights differ from, and conform to, previous arguments about it. 4. The literary review mostly comes from an annotated bibliography but unlike it, it can be a literary work by itself.

• Recent Posts
• Difference Between Mocha and Coffee - January 11, 2012
• Difference Between Verb and Predicate - January 2, 2012
• Difference Between Tropical Meteorology and Monsoon Meteorology - January 2, 2012

Sharing is caring!

• Pinterest 3

Search DifferenceBetween.net :

• Difference Between Works cited and Bibliography
• Difference Between Bibliography and References
• Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation
• Difference Between Secondary and Primary Sources
• Differences Between Thesis And Dissertation For Doctoral Study

Cite APA 7 M, E. (2011, January 14). Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-annotated-bibliography-and-literature-review/. MLA 8 M, Emelda. "Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 14 January, 2011, http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-annotated-bibliography-and-literature-review/.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful article. I can now clearly differentiate between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review.

Do you have any guide that elaborates on structuring a good essay. I feel like it would be a on demand writeup.

Thank You once again!

Leave a Response

Name ( required )

Email ( required )

Please note: comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail

Written by : Emelda M. and updated on 2011, January 14 Articles on DifferenceBetween.net are general information, and are not intended to substitute for professional advice. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages.

Advertisments

More in 'language'.

• Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL
• Difference Between Fear and Anxiety
• Difference Between Center and Centre
• Difference Between Editing and Proofreading
• Difference Between Then and Than

Top Difference Betweens

Get new comparisons in your inbox:, most emailed comparisons, editor's picks.

• Difference Between MAC and IP Address
• Difference Between Platinum and White Gold
• Difference Between Civil and Criminal Law
• Difference Between GRE and GMAT
• Difference Between Immigrants and Refugees
• Difference Between DNS and DHCP
• Difference Between Computer Engineering and Computer Science
• Difference Between Men and Women
• Difference Between Book value and Market value
• Difference Between Red and White wine
• Difference Between Depreciation and Amortization
• Difference Between Bank and Credit Union
• Difference Between White Eggs and Brown Eggs

ENG 380.05 Literature of the American Civil War (Mullins)

Why do an annotated bibliography, types of annotations, how to create an annotated bibliography.

Here are some reasons:

• Some types of annotations provide details about what the paper's author has done with or thinks about each source Certain types of annotations (Evaluative Annotations, for example) may provide a brief analysis of the source by the paper's author, including details about what information is most important or not, how it the source fits into the broader scope of the paper and why it may or may not be useful to others.

Summative annotations (also known as "informative" annotations) provide only a summary of the author's main ideas. Summative annotations are typically two to three sentences long and include no statements of the source’s relevance to your paper or critical remarks evaluating the source’s quality. 

Summative annotations may include the following type of information:

• The hypothesis of the work
• The methodology of the work
• The author's main points
• The conclusion or results of the work

Evaluative annotations (also known as "critical" annotations) summarize the essential ideas in a document and provide judgments—negative, positive, or both—about their quality. Evaluative annotations are typically three to four sentences long. Evaluative annotations usually begin with broad comments about the focus of the source then moves to more details. Your comments should move from the details of the text to your evaluation of the source.

Evaluative annotations may contain the following type of information:

• The importance of the work’s contribution to the literature of the subject
• The author’s bias or tone
• The author’s qualifications for writing the work
• The accuracy of the information in the source
• Limitations or significant omissions
• The work’s contribution to the literature of the subject
• Comparison with other works on the topic

What is an Annotation?

An annotation summarizes the essential ideas contained in a document, reporting the author's thesis and main points as well as how they relate to your own ideas or thesis. There are two types of annotations: summative (aka informative) and evaluative (aka critical) - see examples under the 'Types of Annotations'. Annotations are typically brief (one paragraph)

For this course, you will follow the guidance found on the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)   

  Locate books, periodicals and documents that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic.

Briefly examine and review the actual items

Choose those items that are most relevant.   You may wish to provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.

Next, for each item:

  Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style.

  Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the item.   Include one or more sentences that

• Evaluate the authority or background of the author,
• Comment on the intended audience,
• Describe any special features,
• Explain how this work illuminates your topic, OR
• Compare or contrast this work with another you have cited: does the author agree or disagree with others: discuss strengths, weaknesses, and biases.
• << Previous: Home
• Last Updated: Aug 18, 2024 7:25 PM
• URL: https://infoguides.pepperdine.edu/AmCivilWarLit

Explore. Discover. Create.

Copyright ©  2022  Pepperdine University

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

• You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
• You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
• You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
• A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.