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Unit 11: Library Reports

11.3.1 Title Page Notes

This should briefly but explicitly describe the purpose of the report (if this is not obvious from
the title of the work). Other details you may include could be your name, the date and for whom
the report is written.

Example: Geology of the country around Beacon Hill, Leicestershire Angus Taylor
2 November 2004

11.3.2 Terms of Reference

Under this heading you could include a brief explanation of who will read the report (audience)
why it was written (purpose) and how it was written (methods). It may be in the form of a
subtitle or a single paragraph.

Example: A report submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for Course GL456,
Department of Geology, University of Leicester.

11.3.3 Summary (Abstract)

The summary should briefly describe the content of the report. It should cover the aims of the
report, what was found and what, if any, action is called for. Aim for about 1/2 a page in length
and avoid detail or discussion; just outline the main points. Remember that the summary is the
first thing that is read. It should provide the reader with a clear, helpful overview of the content
of the report.

Example: Exposure of rocks belonging to the Charnian Supergroup (late Precambrian)
were examined in the area around Beacon Hill, north Leicestershire. This report aims to provide
details of the stratigraphy at three sites – Copt Oak, Mount St. Bernard Abbey and Oaks in
Charnwood. It was observed that at each of these sites, the Charnian Supergroup consists mainly
of volcaniclastic sediments (air-fall and ash-flow tuffs) interbedded with mudstones and siltstones.
These rocks show features that are characteristic of deposition in shallow water on the flanks of
a volcano (e.g. welding and alteration of ignimbrites). Further studies are required to understand
depositional mechanisms and to evaluate the present-day thickness of individual rock units.

11.3.4 Contents (Table of Contents)

The contents page should list the different chapters and/or headings together with the page
numbers. Your contents page should be presented in such a way that the reader can quickly scan
the list of headings and locate a particular part of the report. You may want to number chapter
headings and subheadings in addition to providing page references. Whatever numbering system
you use, be sure that it is clear and consistent throughout.

11.3.5 Introduction

The introduction sets the scene for the main body of the report. The aims and objectives of the
report should be explained in detail.

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