Everyone knows that when undertaking a research paper, there is little time to read about how to do so! This handy little guide is particularly directed towards those of you in the social sciences and humanities who have been asked to write a research paper at the university level. It does not matter if the document you are writing is your first effort in your first course, an advanced research project or a doctoral thesis: the same basic principles apply. Deliberately designed to be convenient, not conflict with course instructions, and meant to be used frequently, this guide can be kept next to your computer when you are writing and even carried with you into the library. And if, in the process, it has begun to look a bit worn out, the corners curled up and the cover stained with coffee or tea, then no doubt it will have served you well!