Determine the correct format for citing the book needed. If your research is for a subject in the humanities, you will usually use Modern Language Association format, if it is in the social sciences, you will usually use American Psychological Association format. If you are unsure, check with your instructor before beginning any research.
Format an MLA book reference on your note card in the following manner with reverse indentation and with the words in single quotes italicized:
Last name, First name. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication. Medium of Publication. "Medium of Publication" in this case will always be "Print."
For example, "Kemper, Steve. 'Code Name Ginger: The Story Behind Segway and Dean Kamen's Quest to Invent a New World.' Boston: Harvard Business School, 2003. Print."
Format an APA book reference on your note card in the following manner, with reverse indentation and the words in single quotes italicized:
Author, First initial. Middle initial. (Year of publication). 'Title of work: Capital letter also for first word of subtitle.' Location: Publisher.
For example: "Kemper, S. (2003). 'Code name Ginger: The story behind Segway and Dean Kamen's quest to invent a new world.' Boston: Harvard Business School."
Write the number of the source in the top right corner of the note card. For example, if 'Code Name Ginger' was the second source you cited, write "2" in the top right corner of the card.
Write that number in the top right corner and the page number the note was taken from in the bottom right corner of each note card taken from that source for easy referencing when writing your paper and bibliography.