An electronic reference system with a cross-referencing module, a highlighting module, a notes module, and an arranging module. The cross-referencing module stores at least one reference material and cross-references the at least one reference material. The highlighting module marks particular words or phrases. The notes module stores notes corresponding to particular words or phrases. The arranging module tags the highlighted words or phrases or notes. The event may be a date, time, topic, and so forth. The arranging module may also arrange the notes or highlighted words or phrases according to the tag. The electronic device may also the at least one reference material.