As your research starts to pile up, you may find that there was one article… one passage, that you would like to refer back to for some reason, and you may not remember which source it was. It’s frustrating! To keep this from happening, at the beginning stages of your research, you need to complete source cards. Methodically preparing a source cards now will save you HOURS of work later.
NOTE: As of 2017, many teachers choose to have students complete digital source cards or an initial typed "Works Cited Page." The instructions below outline the traditional MLA source card approach, but whatever your teacher prefers is what you should complete.
What you will need:
Step 1:
Figure out what type of source you are looking at. Is it a book? A magazine article? A newspaper article? A blog entry? An advertisement? Knowing the source type will help you to find the important "container" information.
Step 2:
Use the MLA Documentation link provided either to your left or by your teacher. Note: every single library in the country will also have a copy of the Modern Language Association Handbook (8th ed. is the most recent), which will provide documentation information if you need it.
Step 3:
Write down the source’s information in the exact order that the MLA Documentation Guide requires on your index card. Follow all capitalization/ punctuation rules as dictated by the MLA.
Step 4:
Number each source card in the top right hand corner and in alphabetical order.
Step 5:
For books, put the call number in the lower left corner of the card—Always record the library call number of any book that you use. If, for some reason, you need the book again later, you will be able to find it quickly.
Step 6:
Use separate cards for each source—later on you will need to create an alphabetized works cited. With separate cards for each source, you will be able to alphabetize easily.
Step 7:
Make note of any outstanding features: Some sources will include special features like good charts, background, etc. Others may be too technical or include only a brief chapter that you deem usable. Making notes of such features will help you remember which sources initially seem most beneficial.