How I Organize Sources and Citations for Papers and Research Projects with Google Sheets

In this video, I'll tell you how I use Google Sheets to organize my citations and sources for papers and research projects.
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*** A truncated transcript follows. A full transcript can be found at www.marblejar.net. ***
Sample Google Spreadsheet: docs.google.co...
Hi, everyone! This is Lara Hammock from the Marble Jar channel and in today's video, I'll tell you how I use Google Sheets to organize my citations and sources for papers and research projects.
I'm in my first year of graduate school and we do a lot of writing. References and citations are very important, as they are for any discipline. I supposed if I was writing a dissertation with a hundred citations, I would feel the need to pay for and learn a whole complicated citation software, but since I'm not, I prefer to use tools that I already use and know well. AND despite the fact I'm not writing a dissertation, I have written some papers that have had over 25 sources, so I do need SOME kind of system to organize and manage my citations.
I started out, as most people do, with kind of a hodge-podge system of just cutting and pasting URLs from the Internet and sticking them at the bottom of the Word document of the paper. Or, if I'm doing research, I'd just copy and paste URLs with maybe some quotes from the study or article. The problem was, if I had multiple quotes, I couldn't organize them by topic for fear of losing the reference link, or I'd have to duplicate the URL multiple times. Plus, scrolling down to check these references was annoying. I needed a better, less messy system.
Here's what I do now. For each research project or paper, I create a new Google Sheets spreadsheet for references. You could easily do this in any spreadsheet program. I name it something like Class name - Project name - Citations and Quotes. Let's use a research project that I just did for my Policy class as an example. My spreadsheet name is "Policy - Ex-Felon Voting Rights Citations and Quotes." Then -- I make 2 tabs. The first tab is called Quotes, the second is Sources. I'm going to put a sample of this Citation Spreadsheet up on my Google Drive to share with you. To use it, just follow the link that I will provide in the notes section, make a copy into your own Drive, and then use it or modify it as you see fit. Back to the spreadsheet -- so, now as I'm doing my research and reading a bunch of different articles -- in this case, mostly news articles and opinion pieces -- I starting finding quotes or statistics that help me to understand the issue or that I might want to use in my paper. So, I copy the quote and paste it into this first column. Okay -- the second column is a reference number. I'm going to want to remember where I got this quote from -- so go to the article and copy the URL or website address. I note some basics about the source and what the article is about -- in this case it's an Editorial from The Washington Post Editorial Board. Now I go into the Sources tab paste the URL under website address, note some basics about the article -- more for my own recall ability than anything else, and I number it -- #1. Now, I'm going to have a bunch of other articles to put in here, so I might as well go ahead and fill in these numbers, 1 to 10. Okay, back to the Quotes tab, I'm going to indicate that this quote came from article #1. Now, I can paste several quotes from the same article, I just need to indicate where they came from. So, here is my completed spreadsheet for this research project. I have 13 sources and 38 quotes. I obviously did not use all of those in my paper, but they helped to shape my understanding of the topic and served as a repository for the quotes and statistics that I DID end up using. . .
*** A full transcript can be found at www.marblejar.net. ***

[@marblejarchannel]

In order to use the sample spreadsheet for your purposes, just make a copy. Go to File, Make a Copy and then name it whatever you want. Then it is yours to edit! Here’s the link: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1PaQbDLrTFptlZAlarTkdj_syYBxs1zUaqqXulF1e11A/edit

[@tinavalentine2648]

I love this...thank you so kindly!!

[@theodorecoen2793]

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[@louisismael5887]

@Theodore Coen yea, I have been watching on flixzone for since november myself :)

[@carmelozion7690]

@Theodore Coen yup, have been using Flixzone for years myself =)

[@kheounsopheaninh7423]

Thank you so much

[@jamilynncreates3622]

I'm getting ready to write my first research paper and you have so many helpful videos! And then I saw that you have ADHD too, and realized not only are your videos helpful, but you know how to organize an adhd brain. I'm an instant fan, thank you so much for the info!

[@marblejarchannel]

Thank you for the sweet comment!

[@CrunchyDark]

this is the type of stuff that should have been taught in school. wtf. thank you

[@sonia94ist]

couldn't agree more. if it's hard for people that have half of my mental health problems imagine having executive dysfunction for a myriad of reasons... if I was taught that from an early age it would be second nature by the time I needed it and my dysfunctional brain would be less of an issue. now I'm lost and my paper is 4 years overdue. yes years.. I didn't make a mistake. I was due to graduate in 2016 at earliest, 2018 at the latest. all classes finished, only theses to be done.

[@girpall]

I totally agree. Students life will become far easy.

[@edgarddiaz1019]

I never thought of using google spread sheet to organize my quotes and sources. I will totally use this system. Thank you!

[@Lightmerk]

I really enjoyed your detailed approach to the topic! I struggle with organizing my work on research projects (and organizing in general ;) ), but whenever I approach more experienced academics with questions about the specific steps they take as they work on research, it is almost impossible in those conversations to get to the level of detail that you provide. The answers often fall along the lines: "everybody is different"; "what works for me, might not work for others"; "I am not the best person to ask about this.." etc. I believe that research should not be a mystery and it is possible to create a framework; describe steps, shortcuts, tips and tricks- just like you do! Thank you!!!

[@johnmwaura688]

Helo, I can help you with this research paper. Get it within just a few hours from now. DM or email me at [e-mail]. Privacy, Confidentiality, and ORIGINALITY guaranteed. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE..

[@whitenoiserelaxingnoises2428]

This SERIOUSLY helped me out! Writing my first research project

[@marissao233]

I watched this video my first semester of grad school in 2020 and it changed my life!! And made my life so much easier!!! I am now in my final class and will be utilizing it for a group capstone project. Thank you

[@marblejarchannel]

I absolutely love that this method helped you. Thanks for letting me know!

[@Mo-yg9px]

Hi laura, I just want to revisit and say thank you. I dopped out on university in my teens. I am now 30 and just graduated in civil engineering with honours and your videos helped allot throughout!! Thank you!

[@marblejarchannel]

This is such a nice comment! Thanks so much for coming back and letting me know. Congratulations on all of your accomplishments and best of luck!

[@Mo-yg9px]

@@marblejarchannel You randomly crossed my mind whilst on my lunch break so thought it would be rude if I did'nt take the time in doing so. 🙂

[@Mo-yg9px]

Thats a lie! I was using your spreadsheet for something at work which I've always used.

[@emilystover9821]

I am a high school librarian and will be sharing this with my students. Thank you!

[@kate_rdn_csowm_cdces_nasm-cpt]

I have to write a 6-10 page paper for a graduate course I am taking. The last two times I took a graduate course that entailed research...suffice to say, it did not end well. But now my confidence is much higher. I have written out the steps to write a research paper and am ready to complete them one by one. This video on sources and citations is a game changer. Honestly, I think I may have just found the tools that will help me turn a new leaf. Thank you, Lara, for your invaluable contribution.

[@marblejarchannel]

This is great. Good luck and thanks for the comment!

[@johnmwaura688]

Helo, I can help you with this research paper. Get it within just a few hours from now. DM or email me at [e-mail]. Privacy, Confidentiality, and ORIGINALITY guaranteed. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE..

[@girpall]

This video is very helpful. I used to put all my sources in a google doc and then it used to get difficult to search for the one I needed. Thanks for the video

[@catherinewang5174]

This will SAVE me time and energy, and definitely improve the quality of my papers. I cannot thank you enough!

[@jeffriramliofficial]

Thank you for making this video. I'm so glad I found your video. It's easy to understand and follow. Currently doing my PhD and I wish this was taught like this at the university level.

[@marblejarchannel]

Thanks so much for your comment!

[@ReadWithZahra]

Same here, thank you !

[@rochellekendrick1416]

This has just saved my life. After going BACK to college after 30yrs "Research Paper" was/is a foreign language. "Citing?" What the heck. #breathingbetternow. Thank you Ms. Marbel Jar

[@marblejarchannel]

I'm with you -- I was completely overwhelmed my first semester. Good luck with your studies!

[@rochellekendrick1416]

@@marblejarchannel thank you.

[@julialist2447]

This seems like an ingenious solution for a problem!

[@titustien177]

So glad I found your videos. I Will start using excel for keeping track of my sources, oh man why didn't I think of that! Thank you!!

[@a.j.ferrara397]

Thanks! I am 50 and still have anxiety writing a paper. The framework and spreadsheet are very helpful!

[@evgeniaaulova7212]

i'm writing my bachelor thesis rn, will use this technique, thanks a lot!!

[@cassieferrante214]

awesome video! it also helps to 'freeze' the top row in google sheets so the header stays as you move down the page

[@shahidaismail5892]

I wish I knew this earlier. Been wasting a semester doing this with no results. Ending me reading same paper 3-4 times

[@john26razor340]

Concise. Detailed. Straight to the point. Thanks!

[@luckyuas]

Thank you. I used your design and incorporated with another you tuber's template to make a handy one for myself. Bless you.

[@DarylBambic]

Love this one! I'm going to show this to my students. Thanks for your great videos.

[@chrestayn]

This technique really helps me with sorting citations when we write our research paper. This is very useful to me and this will definitely help me in the future. Thank you very much ☺️

[@tedb5792]

You have taught me more than my professor in five minutes than I got from him period

[@finfoxwolfpack2542]

You are an angel, this is great, thank you!

[@Drlaylaalkhouli]

this is such a great organizing method

[@TheA2special]

This was extremely helpful and I've used it for several writing projects in my graduate program. Thank you @ Marble Jar!

[@emilycarter8922]

You might want to check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKK1p2OFn7V7ask

[@JabariGyasiJordan]

Thank you kindly :) Hope all is well. Have a lovely day.

[@nataliecarey4853]

I cannot thank you enough for generously sharing this! You’ve saved my life!

[@johnmwaura688]

Helo, I can help you with this research paper. Get it within just a few hours from now. DM or email me at [e-mail]. Privacy, Confidentiality, and ORIGINALITY guaranteed. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE..

[@TheAyiann]

very practical system and well explained! thank you

[@naboria5]

Very good system for organizing my annotated biblliography. Thank you very much.

[@lekeolaoye9677]

An eye opener indeed. Many thanks.

[@ishinideraniyagala3783]

This is really useful. I shared this link with my project pals as well. This will be one of my life long practices. Absolutely love this

[@johnmwaura688]

Helo, I can help you with this research paper. Get it within just a few hours from now. DM or email me at [e-mail]. Privacy, Confidentiality, and ORIGINALITY guaranteed. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE..

[@yellowfintuna07]

Thank you for this! I am in graduate school now. Writjng and research is about 80% of it and though it is interesting, I have had a difficult time with organization of sources. This helps a lot!

[@johnmwaura688]

Helo, I can help you with this research paper. Get it within just a few hours from now. DM or email me at [e-mail]. Privacy, Confidentiality, and ORIGINALITY guaranteed. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE..

[@sylviabowersox1114]

Your system is genius.... thank you for sharing.

[@arabiclanguage4711]

Hayyy, Marble, your video is so helpful, amazing job,😃

[@sanyuelpuganda3581]

Thank you very much... I a working on this now!!!

[@rizkaazizah7869]

Thank youuuu. This one works for me.

[@andersonbessa9044]

I’m glad I found your video. It’s so helpful! Thanks!

[@violetevergarden5420]

I love you so much! Thanks a lot for this good information, I will totally use it for my first research project.

[@Hanna-nw1xc]

This is so helpful! Thank you so much!

[@duncangilchrist2949]

This was so helpful. I'm going to use this system. Thanks

[@kollisoraya2938]

Thank you this is very helpful

[@ahmedsalman2825]

Great video! Thanks a banch Laura.

[@namjildorjmandakh8610]

Wow, this is amazing. Thank you.

[@azizsier3356]

Thank you, this is Brilliant!

[@aashnavaid6918]

thank you so much ! will use.

[@DVjarhead]

Thank You for your insight, it really has helped me. :-)

[@ABhattacharya]

This is so doable!

[@violettslocum]

WOW! Thank you!!!

[@m7mdarwani964]

Thanks a lot.

[@1Dudey1]

Thanks for sharing!

[@christinalovescolorado]

Thank you!! I am having a hard time figuring out how to organize my thesis codes

[@johnmwaura688]

Helo, I can help you with this research paper. Get it within just a few hours from now. DM or email me at [e-mail]. Privacy, Confidentiality, and ORIGINALITY guaranteed. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE..

[@vansikavansika6317]

Thank you so much😇😇

[@azure2100]

Maybe just adding a page number to your citations would be helpful for later use. Thanks for the tips!

[@marblejarchannel]

Great idea!

[@berthamumba7200]

Thank you so much for this

[@patriciarawlings7297]

Great tool for organizing research!

[@shirinn3718]

Thank you so much !!

[@amandalima9785]

Great video! Thank you so much!

[@jameswong2746]

Thank you!

[@viplegaleducation1292]

Thank you. My only issue was when i was trying to build the layout while taking notes I had to go back and fill more than was originally stated. Maybe you could go back and edit video to add columns: reference #, categories/reasoning, websites, etc. otherwise smooth and easy to follow.

[@marblejarchannel]

I’ve refined my spreadsheet since I did this video, so I’ll go back and add some of the columns that I use now. Thanks for the suggestions - I’ll consider them!

[@viplegaleducation1292]

Marble Jar Channel I’m interested in that video. I’m a tough critic I suppose. Thanks for taking it in stride!!

[@dexxy27]

Lovee this, thank you for sharing this :)

[@sonia94ist]

I'm doing my undergrad thesis and my help for it is my dad. where it gets really fun is we both have ADHD (and I suspect some form of autism or other neurodivergency). So when I'm feeling down and out of it and don't check in with him basically nothing moves. So far he must have collected about 300 references and we are very much stuck. We both have an understanding to the topic. Basically if we needed to chat about it we would impress everyone in the room. But we can't write. it seems like we wanted to make an omelet but every time we stick a spatula in the pan to flip it it gets ruined and we've ended up with scrambled eggs, which is fine love that about us but it's not the goal. My paper is 4-5 years overdue and it will probably get another one year. Mental health problems, work, a second educational program that also has papers overdue have played their part in this but I need to finally be done with my Bachelor's degree. so how do we get to unscramble the issue and do you have any tips when you are struggling with writing blocks and executive dysfunction?

[@marblejarchannel]

Hi, Sonia -- this sounds really overwhelming! One of the biggest challenges with ADHD is being able to break big project down into smaller chunks to complete. I would suggest working with a therapist or ADHD coach to help create some structure in your day and help chunk these big projects down for you!

[@sonia94ist]

@@marblejarchannel oh thank you!😊

[@shbeezen]

this is awesome! thank u :)

[@hasancoool]

Thanks!

[@raghadalsaqqa7154]

Thank you, it was amazing

[@elizabethingram9784]

Brilliant!

[@ayatheparentcoach]

Thanks this is awesome advice

[@simonobiekwe1767]

This is awesome

[@NAZLAAGHAISSANIFAJRIYA-]

thank you

[@marcotigno2902]

Miss Laura, do you precis, paraphrase, summarize what you have highlighted before you put it in the spreadsheet or you do precis, ... summarize after you have organize highlighted quotes?

[@marblejarchannel]

I put everything in the spreadsheet. Sometimes I will add a tiny summary as I go, if I've read the abstract, but usually I save all of that for after I've got my sources in.

[@junelienauthor]

Thanks so much!

[@rakshitverma4499]

Are the quotes that you mentioned, paraphrased or do we have to just copy and paste them into our spread sheet?

[@marblejarchannel]

The quotes I use are word for word, not paraphrased.

[@nuramirahaqilahbtsazali5324]

Hye! serious question! may I know, do you paraphrase the quotes or you just completely copy the quotes from the articles and then place it in the research paper?

[@marblejarchannel]

I mostly paraphrase quotes and cite them. I reserve using full verbatim quote for special circumstances!

[@3loco.m980]

Thanks

[@Lightmerk]

Lara, what are the benefits of using google sheets as opposed to excel? Are there any benefits/conveniences associated with using Google Sheets? (whenever I use excel, I save spreadsheets on the OneDrive cloud, so it terms of accessibility they seem comparable to me).

[@marblejarchannel]

I prefer Google Sheets to Excel since I can easily access from any of my devices and from any browser, but Google Sheets is also great for collaborative work. Right now I’m working on a paper with 2 other students and we are all accessing the same references spreadsheet with over 70 citations. It works like a charm!

[@Lightmerk]

@@marblejarchannel Thank you for clarifying! I guess I get a similar convenience with saving excels on OneDrive. I used to do more collaborative projects during my Masters degree and I definitely will have more in the future, but right now in a PhD program I tend to struggle with my projects alone :) Will keep Google Sheets in mind as an option.

[@thirteensworld]

Curious why you wouldn't use Evernote for this. You use evernote for other things, and I thought, (maybe I am wrong) that Evernote had this ability pretty much built in with tagging etc.

[@marblejarchannel]

I tend to think in spreadsheet format when I’m organizing my thoughts. I suppose you could use Evernote, but I like all of the quotes in a single sheet to scroll through rather than having to open separate Evernote notes. Thanks for the comment!

[@alialzerjawy8428]

great

[@daffodilshaw1998]

👍🏻😊

[@TheDocskibum]

I tried do use your example of your spread sheet but can’t figure out how to save my google drive, everything else auto saves there?

[@marblejarchannel]

Hi, there. I'm not 100% sure I understand your question, but make sure you make a copy of the spreadsheet (Go to File, Make a Copy and then name it whatever you want) and that will save it to your Google Drive. Then it should autosave like the rest of your files. Hope that helps.

[@sharynyorkville2737]

when I cut and paste from a document into the sheet, the cells are formatted strangely. I chose text wrap so it stays within each cell, but it looks like poetry. LOL. How do I fix that?

[@marblejarchannel]

I’m not quite sure what you are experiencing, but sometimes you will have to fix the line breaks for your citations by hand. There are also some online tools to help with this. Good luck!

[@KhalidMahida]

You have mentioned in one of your videos writing a research paper in a writing software alternative to MS word. Just forgot it. need your help.

[@marblejarchannel]

I use Google Docs!

[@KhalidMahida]

Thank you so much 👍

[@KhalidMahida]

Is Excel will work the same way?

[@marblejarchannel]

Yes!

[@ricksantilli4637]

When I've copied and pasted the URL of scholarly articles found on a library database, the link hasn't worked a day or week later. My advice is, when noting down these articles, make sure you get enough detail so you can find the source again. If anyone knows a better way to overcome this, please let me know.

[@partysnacks3280]

Might take a little bit extra time but one way to overcome this, specifically, is to write the article's name in where the url normally goes (in the excel spreadsheet) and then embed the entry with a hyperlink

[@alejandragaytan3415]

Please be my mom, you are so awesome.

[@saherohero6112]

I find you ADHD Brain absolutely amazing. I find it hard to believe your are affected 😅. Thanx for the tips.

[@ItsAcipa]

Its better if you can zoom on that Google Sheets, full screen without you on that, only need the voice not your face. Well yeah... Thanks anyway.

[@marblejarchannel]

Thanks for the feedback - I’ll take it into account!

[@dr.fatimaalsulami149]

thanks a lot, it is so helpful

[@saherohero6112]

I find you ADHD Brain absolutely amazing. I find it hard to believe your are affected 😅. Thanx for the tips.