Research
When writing on a particular text, always use a recognised scholarly edition,
as quality criticism is easier if it is based on quality authors. Be thorough
in your research, recording sources of information and making relevant notes
as you go along. These notes must be clear enough for you to understand
in six months time! Look at appropriate material, you cannot look at everything,
you need to be selective.
Use every facility available to you. Many libraries have computer research
terminals, which will search using titles, keywords or by author, which
is easier than looking through endless card indexes. If all else fails,
do not be afraid to ask the library staff for assistance.