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Avoiding Plagiarism

Why Keep Track of your Research?

Most essays at a college level require a bibliography or reference page as well as in-text citation of some sort. It is important to gather the needed information as you work. Sometimes searches and resources are hard to find again, and it saves time at the end of the process when deadlines are looming.

There is also the added benefit of building on searches you have done to do further research. A thorough record can save time and effort in that process.

Things to keep track of:

  • Search terms (including combinations and limits you may add)
  • Places you search (databases, Library Search, websites)
  • Information about the sources you find (author, title, date, publisher, call number, url, etc.)
  • Information about the quotes or paraphrases you will be using.  (Source identification, page numbers, and context)

How to Keep Track of your Research

Paper

  • Note cards are often a handy way to keep track of research and quotes as you read.
  • A notebook and/or folder for each essay is also an excellent way to gather information as you find it.

Electronic

Because so many sources are formatted electronically, it often easier to keep the records of research electronically as well.

  • Many find a simple saved document on the desktop to be a sufficient place to keep and collect notes, URLs, and search terms.
  • Email documents can also be a handy way to keep information in one place.
  • Portable hard drives are also a great way to keep track of information as you research.
  • Many use a third party web location to keep track of information.

Hints and Tricks

  • Most databases have a marking and/or folder feature. This allows users to output the needed information about the resources in an easy way. The added benefit is that most can output information in your chosen citation format.
  • Screen capture is an option if there is no readily accessible way to output the information. Pressing the [Control] and [Print Screen] buttons simultaneously will capture a "snapshot" of the desktop. This can be saved and opened in a word processing file.
  • Web tagging and capturing programs like those listed, allow users to save URLs and organize them.

Electronic Spots to Keep Track of Research