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Three of the most popular reference managers are Endnote, Mendeley, and Zotero. Each tool has benefits and disadvantages, so you may want to test drive the free products before deciding on one.\u00a0 Functionality, aesthetics, the requirements of your discipline, and just plain personal preference will come into play. Consider what your fellow students\/researchers are using in case you want to share citations or folders for group projects. One caution: the web-based versions store data in the United States so are not recommended for storing any personal or confidential data.\u00a0 You may wish to consider a product you can download on your computer.<\/strong><\/p>\n I asked three of our reference librarians to say a little about the product they\u2019re most familiar with. However, please note that neither the library nor its librarians recommend or endorse a particular product.\u00a0 Here\u2019s what they said:<\/p>\n Aditi Gupta on Endnote:<\/strong><\/p>\n Endnote can be purchased as a standalone software program (EndNote X8) that works well with MS Word, Open Office, and other tools OR students can use a free Endnote basic version. \u00a0You will need to create a free account to access Endnote basic online. It easily allows you to import references from databases and create a list of references using different citation styles including APA, MLA, and Chicago. Once you have started to import your references, you can share your folders with other Endnote users.<\/p>\n Rebecca Raworth on Mendeley:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cYour research content is primarily contained in PDF files:\u00a0Mendeley has an integrated PDF viewer and can create citation records just from importing a PDF file. Mendeley.org has the strongest website and community platform.\u201d (from http:\/\/libguides.wustl.edu\/choose<\/a>). Also, Mendeley (free version) is very good for collaborative work, and if you back up records, you can sync multiple computers. Mendeley also provides 2GB of web space.<\/p>\n Michael Lines on Zotero:<\/strong><\/p>\n Zotero works best on a PC running Firefox. If you already use that combo, or can make the switch, it can really improve your workflow. Because it lives in your browser, it facilitates collecting and checking citations as you do your research. Getting that piece into your routine saves a ton of headaches. It is also an open-source program made at a US university for academic purposes, so it is strong ethically. It has an online component that can be fun, useful, and collaborative, but it is based on US servers, so it opens you up to NSA inspection. \u00a0And remember that choosing a citation manager should be part of a larger practical review of your research and reading process!<\/p>\n If you are reluctant to start using a reference manager because you find technology challenging, links provided in the library\u2019s comparison chart take you to helpful videos and user-friendly documentation.<\/p>\n Students can consult about citation management and other research-related issues with librarians via email and text, and also in-person at the Research Help desk on the main floor of the library.<\/p>\n Best wishes for a productive and joyful semester.<\/p>\n Reference<\/p>\n Thomson, P. & Kamler, B. (2016).\u00a0 Detox your writing: Strategies for doctoral researchers<\/em>.\u00a0 London, UK: Routledge.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Madeline Walker Are your notes on sources scattered everywhere? Do you write with the intention of citing later, but then forget where you found that bit of information? Choosing and using reference management software early in your graduate program will get your reading and research off to an organized, efficient start.\u00a0 Academic and … Continue reading Want to get organized? Consider using a reference management tool<\/span>