Thanks for the input! Both sound like good advice, I am a bit old fashioned but aware the I reluctantly need to rip myself away from my hard copy paper! anymore advice is welcomed :)

Hello, I am writing this for suggestions for more time efficient methods for reading and taking notes. When I did my MS the time frame from start to finish for the research /write up portion was only about a year. I read and highlighted heaps of hard copy journal articles that I had organized by category. It seemed organized, and worked fine for that because it was a relatively short project. I am now in the first 1.5 years of my PhD and have a few more years to go and hundreds of things to read. That method is not going to work for this project! I have all my references entered in endnote for citation purposes, but did not like taking notes in endnote. Does anyone have any suggestion for reading and note taking that is organized, and time efficient, and that may eliminate me from re-reading the same articles time and time again?

Hi there!
Nice to hear that people are in a similar situation as I am. I am starting the second year of my PhD (field ecology) I am remotely located in a small town (3000 people) several hours (a flight) away from advisors and my university. Its very isolating, and depressing and extremely challenging to be working at home alone. In the first year I was in the field almost all the time, now I am trying to focus more on reading/looking at the data while concurrently getting assistance in the field. Its very difficult being remotely located and not having anyone around to bounce my ideas off and working from home is not good for my motivation or focus. I have contacted a local office where I go and sit and work when desk space is available. This has been REALLY helpful. I find I work better on these days. Its not ideal because there isnt always space for me, but for now its something. Is nice to be in a work atmosphere. Perhaps you could try that as well? I know personally I need that enviroment to feel more focused. If anyone has any other ideas let me know!