How can I create a notes column in a document?

Question

I need a document that has a notes column on the right hand side of each page starting after the contents page.

This notes column should have the heading "Notes" , should be 50% of the size of the main column and be separated with a thin line.

Any ideas which packages I can use to do this? I've managed to get a wide ruled margin. No heading so far.

Answer 1

This should get you started. I extended the size of the margin and used \marginpar to place the text in the margin:

\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lipsum}
\usepackage{xcolor}
\usepackage{mdframed}

\setlength{\textwidth}{4.0in}%
\setlength{\marginparwidth}{2.0in}%

\mdfdefinestyle{MyMarginNoteStyle}{
    topline=false,
    bottomline=false,
    rightline=false,
    backgroundcolor=yellow!20
}

\newcommand{\MarginNote}[1]{%
\marginpar{%
\begin{mdframed}[style=MyMarginNoteStyle]%
    \textbf{Notes}%
    \par\bigskip%
    #1%
\end{mdframed}%
}}%

\begin{document}
\lipsum[1-3]
\MarginNote{\lipsum[1]}

\lipsum[4-6]
\MarginNote{\lipsum[2]}
\end{document}