When, what and why to check
article book web Why? 
Title
Scope: get a first 
broad sense of the 
subject and relevance
Author and  
affiliation
Context: reputation, 
authority
Cover and flap
Context: Read 
information and 
reviews on back flap
Table of Contents
Scope: structure of 
publication helps 
understanding and 
selecting what to 
read 
Introduction/preface Context: what to expect? 
Summary/abstract
Scope, conclusion: 
define a relation to 
your own research
Keywords Scope: what aspects are mentioned?
What journal/proceedings Scope: authority 
Reference list/external links
Context: based on 
other research or 
new?
Conclusion
Conclusion: define a 
relation to your own 
research
Date
Actuality: do you 
need to find updates 
or newer publications 
on this subject?
URL Scope: authority, objectivity
Chapters/paragraphs
Conclusion: how
can you use this 
information in your 
own research?
Write it down!
Store! You need to 
be able to refind the 
publication, for 
example if you need 
citations. So write 
down reference 
information!
TUlib - Reading for research - Checklist
http://tulib.library.tudelft.nl