Note-taking (sometimes written as
notetaking or
note taking) is the practice of recording information captured from another source. By taking notes, the writer records the essence of the information, freeing their mind from having to recall everything. Notes are commonly drawn from a transient source, such as an oral discussion at a meeting, or a lecture (notes of a meeting are usually called
minutes), in which case the notes may be the only record of the event. Note taking is a form of self discipline.