I typically do not use note cards although there are several systems out there.  I have found them useful for big papers but even there I don't use them.  I do however tab the hell out of my books.  Those little post-it sticky tabs are one of the best things ever invented.  I generally stack all the books for current work on one corner of my desk and just pull out the ones I need when I need.  I am a voracious reader when researching and tebbing my books works better for me.

The only method I have used was given to me by Professor Hatlie at AMU.  It is called the Quigley/Nelson notecard system and he used to have it posted on his website at Mark Hatlie's Website   I think his site is currently down but I will see if I have it saved as a file.

I cite the sources as I go, but this is a case of do as I say do, not as I really do sort of thing.  I tend to write things on the fly (again a big no no), but I only get away with it because I research the heck out of things before I begin writing, and I can remember what I've read and where I read it.  I will jot down pages on a scrap piece of paper though if I have a boat load of citations.  But if you're a beginning student (I know you're out there somewhere), use index cards, scratch paper, sticky notes, or write on your hands….whatever you do that helps you organize your thoughts, be consistent and don't waver from a successful system. 🙂

I have rotten memory.  When I remember things, I have no clue where I read them and find myself searching through huundreds of links or PDF files just to find the cite.  I'll try the index card thing. If it works, great.  If not, oh well, I tried something new. I'm pretty good at note taking.  Since it's online, it's not lecture notes, just notes from the text.  I often take forever to read a chapter, but when done, I feel I know it pretty well.

That's what I like about Questia.  I'll research a few books on the site and highlight what I think I might use.  Then, later on, I can go to a page which automatically has bookmarked every place I have highlighted.  Very convenient.

I cite the sources as I go, but this is a case of do as I say do, not as I really do sort of thing.  I tend to write things on the fly (again a big no no), but I only get away with it because I research the heck out of things before I begin writing, and I can remember what I've read and where I read it.  I will jot down pages on a scrap piece of paper though if I have a boat load of citations.  But if you're a beginning student (I know you're out there somewhere), use index cards, scratch paper, sticky notes, or write on your hands....whatever you do that helps you organize your thoughts, be consistent and don't waver from a successful system. 🙂

Sounds like you write the same way I do.  It drives my wife to distraction that I can remember which book I read something in, even if I read the book a year ago.  Not a reccomended method.

I used notecards extensively back before the advent of personal computers (and cut & paste options that didn't involve scissors and tape!).  I'd use them much like Professor Hatlie recommends in the link that is provided above, except that I would add a color code system along with the source numbers — use a magic marker to put a different color or mark for each source — just an enhanced visual aid when organizing..  One nice thing about note cards was that you could lay them out on a table and shuffle them around, building the framework of your argument – then use them to build your outline.I have long since abandoned them.What I do now is as I read, I will either highlight the book as I go, occasionally writing notes in the margins.  At the end of each chapter / section, I go back and transcribe onto a legal pad (bibliographic info on the top of the first page, author's name(s) at the top of each subsequent page - sometimes I color code as well).  If the source is one that I can't mark up (or don't want to mark up), then I keep the legal pad there by my side as I read - taking notes and noting page numbers.  If I'm doing this, then at the end of each chapter I go back and review my notes and then add an analysis or summary - asking questions for further research or bringing in thoughts from other sources.  When I finish with a source, I'll pull the pages off and staple them together.Frequently, I'll do what I call "reading in parallel" -- that is I'll follow a campaign or certain aspect of a campaign in numerous books (reading three or four books at the same time, one chapter or section at a time -- planning for an operation in four sources before going on to the execution, then reading "Day One" in multiple sources before going on to "Day Two" -- a lot depends on how familiar I am with the topic).  If I'm doing this, I'll keep all notes on one legal pad, but use a different color ink for each source.When it comes time to compose, I take over the table down stairs and flesh out my rough outline and start banging out my first rough draft.Don't necessarily recommend this method, but it works for me.

There are some I mark, and some I would never dream of marking!  Mass market paperbacks (such as my current copy of Antony Beevor's Stalingrad - I've marked the crap out of that - highlights, margin notes, dog-eared pages...  Same with John B. Lundstrom's The First Team and Kershaw's Hitler biographies... however, my hardback copy of Salisbury's 900 Days -- not a chance.  Chandler's Campaigns of Napoleon -- not a chance.  Same with Freeman's Lee's Lieutenants or Foote's triliogy.  As for my first editions....  I think you get the picture.