What is the main function of an annotated bibliography?

An annotated bibliography serves to provide a summary and evaluation of each source listed. This means that alongside each citation, there is typically a brief description of the content, the relevance to the research topic, and the quality or perspective of the source. This helps the researcher not only to have a comprehensive view of the sources available but also to assess their usefulness and credibility in relation to the research being conducted. By summarizing and evaluating, the annotated bibliography facilitates a deeper understanding of how each source contributes to the topic at hand, ultimately aiding in constructing a well-informed argument or narrative in academic work.