Using a book
This is a reading strategy which can help you to focus on what you really need from a book. 
Before setting out, be clear what your purpose is. What are the questions you want to answer? What do you need to clarify? Make a short list and keep it with you.
Before reading
Check the book out thoroughly before deciding to use it.  Is it out-of-date? Is it on the reading list?  Does it have the information you want?
Quickly check the contents page and the index - you might only need a small part of the book.
Decide whether you want to use this book.
Take down the details
You’ve started to use the book, so make note of the details you need to reference it including the author, title, year of publication and publisher.  Check the referencing system you have been asked to use. 
Write down the library classmark so you can find it again.
Check out the contents page
Which chapters or sections are likely to have what you want?  You can mark the pages temporarily (sticky notes are less likely to fall out and can be written on).
Beginnings and ends
This three step strategy of concentrating on beginnings and endings can be used for a book as a whole or a chapter within a book.
1.	Read the introduction or preface 
This can be a good way of establishing the author's main ideas.  Usually authors give signposts to the most important parts of their writing.  Take a note of any key ideas, concepts or quotations (with the page number).
2.	Skip to the end and read the conclusion
This should help you confirm what the author's main ideas are.  Again make a note of any key ideas and quotations.  
At this point it is a good idea to make a summary of the main ideas in your own words.
3.	Go back to the contents page
What do you need to clarify?  
Are there other parts you should read?  Do you need to read all/any of the sections you marked previously?
Check the index for other relevant material. You could go back to these bits later, so make a note of the pages.
Decide whether you need to read any more of the book.
If you decide to read more
Skim through the sections you marked and look for section headings.  Read first and last paragraphs and look out for any diagrams or illustrations.
Always keep your key questions in mind.
End.