When installing batted insulation in the attic which side should the paper be on?

>> The paper should always face you, that way you can staple it to the studs.

It depends if your attic is finished and usable or unfinished and used for storing boxes.

Always have the paper toward the living area, which in the case of an unfinished attic (insulating attic floor) would be paper face down. Make sure the first layer you put down on the floor of the attic has the vapor barrier (paper) face down with subsequent layers of unfaced (no paper) insulation.

If the attic is finished (you plan on heating / cooling the space as an office or what not, then the paper would then face you when installed on the ceiling/roof and use unfaced in the floor.

Also be sure to have a clear opening for your soffit vents so there is ample circulation. A product called a rafter vent is used to keep the insulation from blocking this area.