Step 3: Source Cards

Step 3: Source Cards

Source cards are used to record your sources’ publication details. Recording information on source cards makes it easy to find specific information in your sources when you begin writing your note cards. The source cards provide you with an accurate record when creating parenthetical citations as well as your works cited page or reference list.

Key Elements:

Index Cards: Use 3 x 5 index cards

Format: Single-space each card and indent the second and subsequent lines .5 inches

Number: Number your source to coincide with your information cards in order to keep your sources and citations accurate as you write your paper.

Identifying information: Provide the Author Name, Title, Publication Information. Separate each

piece of data with an appropriate punctuation mark. See the MLA guide for specific formatting instructions.

Notes: Create a “notes” section on each card for your own reference. What is notable about this source?