How to Write Reports and Papers

We introduce library services useful for learning and research at university, such as how to find books effectively, tools useful for document management.

1. Learn how to write reports and papers

Kyoto University libraries have a lot of books for writing reports and papers. As a first step, learn how to write and structure academic reports and papers from these books.

Kyoto University libraries hold regular workshops on writing reports and papers. Please join us!

Search for books

To search for books, use Kyoto University library online catalogue KULINE. Following tags are attached to books and e-books that are recommended to read before writing reports and papers. Find books you need by searching these tags.

Also, you can find books about academic writing by using subject search. Select advanced search on KULINE and enter "academic writing" in subject field.

Refining by holding library, you can easily find the books which are at your frequently-used library or meet your needs.

For more information on how to use KULINE, please click here.

Join workshops

Kyoto University libraries have a variety of workshops and events through the year. Check Workshops for the latest information and past materials.

Lectures about academic writing and information retrieval

2. Search for the literature about your topic

It is important to collect previous studies which will give you an overview of the research field in order to write good reports and papers. The previous studies will show you what to do. After learning a basic structure of reports and papers, search for items which help you understand your topic.

Learn how to choose items

  • Search for the literature to which your professor referred in your class.
  • In addition, see the bibliography list in it.
  • Search on the KULINE by your research topic and related keywords.

For a more advanced search, see The Basics of Collecting Documents.

Searching on databases

You can search on databases for electronic information and statistics as well as printed books.
For example, past articles in newspaper retrieved from a newspaper database may be useful for your research.

3. Make a reference list

At the end of your reports and papers, you MUST give information about references on which you based your reports and papers. The aim at a reference list is the followings.

  • To distinguish your own ideas and findings from those you have drawn from the work of others
  • To pay tribute to previous researches
  • To clarify citation
  • To enable readers to find your sources

Learn how to write a reference

There are many different referencing conventions. You should follow the directions given by your professor, or the style specified according to your major or target journal. You can refer to the following style when a style guide is not specified.

Style for Japanese journals

Styles for overseas journals

    Citation tools

    Citation tools store a large number of style templates and can be used to easily standardize and change the reference style throughout your document.

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