Documentation for Dummies
forget to look up words that are similar to or mean the same thing as what you're looking for.
Does it have information you can use?
documentation card. Do not take information from the cover or the spine of the book.
How many authors does your source have?
you have and has the same number of authors as your source. Ask if you cannot make a match!
4. A documentation card, a source card, and a citation card are three names for the same thing.
Make a documentation card by putting the information from your source's title page/title screen/homepage into the chosen pattern on an index card. Make sure you follow the pattern exactly, starting at the left edge of the card and putting all information in the right order with the correct punctuation between the pieces of information. Fill up the entire first line of the card, indenting all other lines 1/2 inch. Fill up each line before going on to the next.
Follow these rules for:
Author - Write last name, first name followed by middle name or initial.
Leave off titles such as Dr., Ph.D., etc.
Title - Capitalize the main words. When in doubt, capitalize!
Place of publication - Write the CITY where the book was made. Use the
first city listed if more than one city appears on the title page. Omit the state if
the city is well known. If the state is necessary, use post office
abbreviations.
Publisher - Use the main name of the company. Leave out words like
publisher, publishing, publication, company, limited, incorporated.
Copyright date- Look for the © on the back or the bottom of the title page.
Use the most recent date. Do not include © when you write the date.
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