1. Gathering Information on your Topic
The Research Process
Gathering Information on your Topic

2. Note cards & Bibliography Cards
You will gather note cards on your subject. Each note card will contain one main idea. If there are two main points, separate them onto two separate cards.
You must have a bibliography card for every single source you use in the gathering process.

3. Bibliography Card
When you find a source (book, web page, etc) that has information in it you might want to use, stop and make a bibliography card.
Please refer to your handout “Quick Reference for Works Cited & Bibliography Cards” for what information is needed.

4. Bibliography Card Sample
Author
Source #
Title
Publisher
City of Pub
Copyright
Location
Call No
Remember to use the handout for EXACT info required!

5. Note Cards
Once you have made a bibliography card, begin taking notes. Each note card that comes from that source must have the SAME source number on the upper right hand corner. This will help you later in the process.
There are three (3) main kinds of note cards you will gather.

6. Paraphrase
Most note cards will be paraphrased. This means that you read the source and put the idea/thought in your own words.
This still must be CITED. Write the main idea/thought on the note card, make sure the source number is on the upper right hand corner, and make sure the page number from the source is written at the bottom.

7. Direct Quote
Only use a direct quote if it is something written so well and profound that it will bring something to your paper.
Copy the direct quote EXACTLY from the source, including quotation marks and all punctuation.
Again, insure the source number & page number are clearly listed on the card.

8. Summary
You use summary if you read a longer article, but only need one real main idea from it.
Simply summarize the main idea on a note card. Put the source number on it, then write the range of pages on the bottom.

9. Sources These are any reference materials regarding your topic.
You must make a bibliography card for every source you use.
If the source is Internet, you must print out ONE page of the main site, along with the URL clearly on it.

10. Note Card Sample
Subheading
Source No
Notes…
Page(s)

11. Printing in our Library
You are limited to printing out five (5) pages of material while working in the library.
You may NOT print directly from the Internet! Copy the Internet info you want and paste it into a MSWord document. Save it up and at the end of class you may print up to five MSWord pages.
You may also save info on a flash drive or your school hard drive.
You can also save your information by ing it to yourself OR setting up a Google Docs account.

12. Google Docs (This is not required for your paper, but still helpful)
Creating Your GOOGLE DOCs Account:
Go to and click on the “Don’t have a Google account? Get Started” button.
Fill out the information. Make sure you provide your school-accessible address.
When you are done, click on the “I accept. Create my account.” button. Google Docs will then proceed to send you an verification to your provided address. You cannot use Google Docs until you respond to this . Log in to your account to access the . If no from Google Docs appears, refresh your inbox until it does.
View the . It will provide a link for you to proceed back to Google Docs. Click on this link. You are now ready to explore Google Docs.
Uploading documents:
Log into your new Google Docs account. The document you wish to upload should be saved and closed.
Near the top of the screen there should be a blue bar with several icons on it. Click on the one that says “Upload.”
The page will prompt you to browse your computer and find the file you wish to upload.
If you want to call it something other than itsfile’s name, rename it.
Click “Upload File.”

13. Tips
The more note cards you have, the simpler writing your paper will be.
Try to have every note card you take try to answer your research question in some way.
Check out books that are helpful to you and then you can use them in class when time is allowed.

14. During the weeks of the research paper, always have your materials for your paper handy.
Make time after school to go to the library for additional research – they are open ‘til 4.
I strongly suggest you visit the public and/or college library for additional sources and info.
Other teachers may have written references that are helpful for your topic. Remember to THANK them if you borrow any.

15. Note cards should have one (1) idea on each one
Note cards should have one (1) idea on each one. A note card will not be filled on the front and the back – it will usually be 2-3 sentences.
Keep your note cards bound in one rubber band and use a highlighter to indicate which ones are bibliography cards. If done as a single sheet, please staple together.
Do not waste valuable time in the library or in class. Ample time is given for the JRP as long as you stay focused and work hard.

16. Library Rules No food or drink
No book bags—bring the items you need only
Each person will sit at a table/computer ALONE – spread out.
You may bring headphones and listen to music on the computers while you work. If this becomes a distraction for others (like being too loud), then you will not be allowed to use them again.
Students who don’t use library time wisely will be asked to leave and work on their paper in another or required after school tutoring.

17. Do not waste time – stay focused!
Do not gather around the printer or computers to talk and work together – this is an independent activity.
There is no talking allowed during work time in the library or during class – work on your own JRP.
Again, your behavior will be exceptionally good in the library or you will lose that privilege.

18. Now you’ll spend some time in the library gathering your notes.
End of Note Gathering
Now you’ll spend some time in the library gathering your notes.
Happy researching!