Keep an appropriate citation style guide, a pen and index cards with you as you research.
Write the source of information in the upper right- or left-hand corner of an index card. For example, note the name of the library and the item's call number, or note the name of the website and the web page address. In this way, you will know where to find the information again. Use one card per source.
Write the exact bibliographic reference information in the correct order on the index card. Include all the notations that your style guide indicates are needed for the type of reference material, as recommended by North Carolina's Cape Fear Community College. These include the name of the publication, the author or authors, relevant page numbers and the date of publication. In addition, note more information, depending upon the type of publication, as your style guide shows.
Write direct quotes and notes from materials that you want to paraphrase or mention on the other side of the index card. Writing the information will help you to recall it.