Citation managers are computer programs that help researchers collect, organize, share, and cite sources. Sources can be found in all sorts of media, from articles and books to things like videos and interviews. Many of these citation management programs offer plugins or extensions that can be hooked up to library databases, catalogs, and websites within the web browser. Researchers can quickly build bibliographies and utilize plugins with word processors to streamline in-text citations.
A citation manager allows researchers to add references to keep their sources in one place. These references can be shared with colleagues for easy collaboration. Citation managers also allow researchers to quickly switch citation styles.
Most citation managers allow researchers to link to the original article, upload PDF copies of articles, and take and save notes within those PDF documents.
Citation managers have features for researchers to organize sources into folders, lists, and tags. The biggest reason why most researchers use citation managers is to build bibliographies automatically.
RefWorks is the citation management tool that the UAMS Library subscribes to and is thus available for free to anyone with a UAMS email address. However, there are other citation manager options out there. A few of the most common other options include:
Comparison Chart
| RefWorks | Zotero | Mendeley | EndNote Basic | EndNote Desktop | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free for anyone with an active UAMS email address | Free | Free | Free | $192 (estimate) available through UAMS IT |
|
Access |
Web-based | Software program, optional web-based syncing between computers and online access | Software program, web-based syncing between computers and online access | Web-based | Software program |
| Attachment storage | Unlimited |
2 GB Free |
2 GB | Unlimited | |
| Sharing |
Create organization-level and private groups |
Create public and private groups Synchronizes collections among multiple computers |
Create public and private groups Synchronizes collections among multiple computers |
Private group sharing |
Full library sharing with 100 users Private group sharing |
| Add-ons | Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Hangul, Browser bookmarklet | Microsoft Word, Chrome web importer | Chrome connector, Word processor plugins (Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, Google Docs) | Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, Pages | Microsoft Word |
| Edit or create citation styles | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
There are many other citation manager comparison charts available, including Wikipedia's extensive Comparison of reference management software.
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