• Check out the index: look for terminology in the index to see if important terminology appears, then locate the pages where those terms are discussed to see if they will useful
• Look at table of contents to get a general idea of what the book covers
• Read any introduction, forward, preface information to get a sense of what the book discusses

Collecting information: After you have decided how useful the book will be, consider how you will record the information that you will be using in the source. You will want preserve the information by either taking accurate notes or photocopying information. Make sure to return books to the library by the due date to avoid over due charges and so that others may use the book, or if you need it for a longer period, renew it.

• Taking Notes: Read Chapter 10 in Palmquist for a discussion how to record your notes: (or Click on this link: Recording Borrowed Material: Suggestions for Taking Notes
  • summarize information: briefly summarize passages
  • paraphrase information: record information in your own words, retaining the basic meaning and length of a passage
  • record direct quotations: copy the quotation word for word and place quotation marks around borrowed material
• Documenting borrowed material: Record page number, title of book, author for each note recorded
• Place notes on 3x5 note cards or keep a note taking journal
• Notes will be turned in before and after spring break

Take accurate and complete notes so that you do not have to refer back to the book, especially if you have already returned it to the library. It is better to take more notes than necessary.

If you have a large amount of information in a source, photocopy the information so that later you can decide what you want to use in your essay.

Photocopy any charts, graphs, or other images that you might want to use in your essay. Be sure to record important documentation information.