How to Create a Filing System for Research Resources

When you're working on a research project, you will be surrounded by research materials. To keep track of everything, you should organize them in a system that works well for you. By keeping the materials in separate files, you can organize and easily access them without pulling your hair out.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Go through your research materials one piece at a time, and get rid of anything you don't need.

2. Separate your research materials into piles by category. Choose a name for each category for your files.

3. Set up file folders by category name for each pile. Label each file with a category name. Use file labels and markers or colored pens.

4. Determine how you will arrange your research files. You can arrange them alphabetically, numerically, chronologically or categorically.

5. Place the research materials from each pile into their proper folder and place the folders in a file cabinet, box or crate. Store your file cabinet in an accessible location in your office or work space.

6. Sort through your research material on a regular basis. Get rid of any papers you no longer need. Place new papers in their proper folders. Be vigilant about remaining organized, so you will always be able to find a source when you need it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a separate set of folders for tickler files, containing materials that you will use on a regular basis.
• Set up your files so that they will be easy to add more files as you need them.