Library Note Taking Techniques

Note Making and Note Taking in the Library

Effective note taking is crucial for students to absorb, retain, and utilize information effectively. In a library setting, note taking becomes particularly essential due to the vast amounts of resources available. Here, we discuss various aspects of note making and note taking, including effective strategies, organization, active listening techniques, summarizing information, and using visual aids.

Effective Note Taking Strategies

The first step in note taking is to be active. Active learning helps you make meaning from the information you receive. In contrast, passive note taking involves copying slides or word-for-word transcriptions without making connections between concepts. Instead, focus on paraphrasing ideas and summarizing key points. Additionally, use mnemonic devices or color coding to aid memorization.

Organize Your Notes

Organize notes according to subject matter or chronology, making sure to include complete bibliographic details. The Cornell Method divides pages into three sections: regular notes, bullet points, and summaries. Spidergrams or mind maps can visually represent relationships between concepts.

Active Listening Techniques

Active listening involves being fully engaged in the lecture. Pay special attention to headings and transitions, and identify keywords and phrases. Review lectures recorded using lecture capture technology.

Summarizing Information

Summarizing is a key part of note taking. When reading, skim for essential facts and statistics. During lectures, jot down main ideas and keywords. Afterwards, reflect and organize notes based on relevance to assignments or exams.

Using Visual Aids in Notes

Visual aids like diagrams, graphs, and charts can enhance understanding. Online tools like Notemaker can assist in creating visual notes, while apps like Evernote offer annotating features for PDFs.

Note taking is not merely copying content. It requires reconstructing lectures in your own words. By adopting these strategies, students can improve their note taking skills, leading to better understanding, retention, and application of knowledge.

Learn effective note making and note taking strategies in a library setting. Explore active listening techniques, organization methods, summarizing information, and utilizing visual aids to enhance your study skills.