Now that you have located some academic sources, it is time to begin working through them. Reading academic literature is challenging (which is why we ask students to read it), but there are strategies to making it easier. Reading through academic sources requires active participation on the part of the reader, which is different than the kind of reading many students are used to performing. It is important to read your sources with a notebook or document open so that you can take notes. Always include the author last name and page number when taking notes as you will likely need this information later. Mark concepts that you don't understand or questions that you have about the material.
Think of these preliminary notes on your sources as the beginning of your first draft.
Below, you will find a short video with examples on how to read and understand academic literature.