Helpful Hints to Complete Research Notes –Book Title
Topic– This is the specific topic you are researching. If you were told your topic is too broad, make sure to include the specific area you are searching. (Example: slavery vs. slavery in Ancient Africa.)
Book Title– This is usually found on the front cover of the book and/or the spine of the book. Make sure to include any subtitle, if applicable.
Library Call Number– This is the number and 3 letters at the bottom of the spine. It is also the number you possibly was given by the library’s database and used to locate the book. Example: 973.4 WEB
Author(s) name(s)–Give the first and last names of the author – as well as any other prefix or suffixes (example: Dr., Jr.) Make sure all authors are listed!
Publisher's name– Go to the title page of the book (one of the first pages you see when you open the book.) The publisher’s name is usually located on this page. Sometimes it ends in Inc. and is usually at the bottom. This information is also found on the verso (backside)
City, state in which the book was published – This is sometimes found on the title page of the book (sometimes) near the publisher’s name. If more than one city is listed – use the first one only. If only a city is listed, just copy the city name. If a state or country is also listed, this too needs to be copied. (Example: Secaucus, NJ vs. London). If you do not see this information on the front of the title page, it is also listed on the verso (backside.)
Year of publication–Sometimes this is found on the title page with the publisher’s name and city of publication. If you do not see this on the title page, it is usually listed on the verso (backside). The date may be recorded as a copyright date. In the case of multiple copyright dates, use the most recent. (Example: 2002, 1999, 1989 – use 2002.)
Volume and edition- Not all books have volume numbers. Encyclopedias do. If you cannot find a volume number or edition number, leave it blank.
Taking notes: In the left hand column, you should type a single fact. On the right hand column, give me more information about that one point. The right hand column is not for rewording what has already been stated on the left side! (Example: Left side – Colonial clothing was simple in construction. Right side – Clothing had to be suitable for work, not play. Buttons and other fancy items were expensive and hard to acquire.)
NOTES ARE TO BE IN YOUR WORDS – 100%. Copying wording from your book with or without changing various words will be considered plagiarism and will result in serious loss of points!