An Annotated Bibliography provides specific information about each source you have used. As a researcher and critical thinker, you have the ability to both: explain the content and to assess the usefulness of your sources for those not in the know. Think of your research paper as part of a conversation with others interested in the same thing(s) you are, while the annotated bibliography allows you to tell readers what might be worth checking out in some situations and what might not be worth spending the time on.