Organize your information from sources by creating a research archive. An archive is a place where information is systematically stored for later use. Clearly distinguish sources you save from your own notes. Use highlighting and other markers to make key passages easy to find in any format.

Save Computer Files. Save Web pages, e-mails, posts to newsgroups and lists, transcripts of chats, and database records to a drive or other storage device. Note URLs or search paths, dates of access, and similar details. Give each file a descriptive name so that you can find the information quickly later on. You can also organize the files in different electronic folders or directories, clearly named. Back up all electronic records.

Save Favorites and Bookmarks. Save the locations of Web sites in your browser so that you can easily return to your favorites or bookmarks. Annotate and organize them into folders.

Save Search Results. If a database or Internet search is productive, note where you searched and what keywords you used. Then you can easily repeat the search later, print out the results, or save them to a file.

File Paper Copies. If you prefer a paper format, photocopy book passages and articles, print out electronic sources (noting the database and date of access), and keep field material. File these using a separate folder for each source, labeled with title or subject and author. Attach sticky notes to mark key passages, or highlight them. Be sure the author (or title) and page number appear on each page so you can credit your source.