Keep Notes in a File Folder
Each time you consult a source that you might use in your final paper, you should copy it for your records. By having a copy of the source on file, you will be able to easily check references, refresh your memory, and so forth.
Web pages and journal articles are easy to copy. But it would not be reasonable to photocopy an entire book for your notes. Therefore, only copy the relevant pages of the book as well as the copyright page.
Each reference should be put in its own file folder. On the tab of the file folder, put the author's name. Then, on the front of the folder, write the citation for your source. Be sure that the citation is in the proper format as it should appear in the bibliography for your paper. When in doubt about proper format, don't guess. Keep your handbook available so that you can easily verify that your format is correct.
