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Biomedical Literature Reviews and Research: Citation Management

Selected resources for researchers performing systematic or non-systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses.

Citation management software allows you to create a personal library of references. References can include citation information as well as annotations, graphics, and the full text pdfs. The software works with your word processors to automatically add references to your paper and format your bibliography in the proper style (APA, MLA, Chicago style, etc.)

Learn more about the following citation management software packages below: Endnote, Mendeley, & Zotero. 

Need help using a citation manager & would like to request training? Ask A Librarian! Our contact information is below. 

 Rachel Lane Walden, MLIS 
 Reference & Instruction Librarian
 Eskind Biomedical Library

 Contact
 rachel.l.walden@vanderbilt.edu 

Emily Adydan, MSLS
Reference Librarian
Eskind Biomedical Library

Contact
emily.c.adydan@vanderbilt.edu

Camille Ivey
Reference Librarian
Eskind Biomedical Library

Contact
camille.ivey@vanderbilt.edu

 

Heather Laferriere, MLIS 
Reference & Instruction Librarian
Eskind Biomedical Library

Contact:
heather.e.laferriere@vanderbilt.edu 

Not sure which one to use?

See the following comparison of the pros and cons of these tools.

Ivey, C., & Crum, J. (2018). Choosing the right citation management tool: EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks, or Zotero. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106(3), 399-403.

EndNote

EndNote is a program for managing bibliographic citations. It simplifies much of the work of organizing and formatting citations and bibliographies in your writing. EndNote works with Microsoft Word and other word processing programs to automatically add references to your paper and format your bibliography into a proper citation style.

How to:
• set up your free EndNote online account (provided by Vanderbilt)
• sync your online account with your desktop version (if you have the paid version)
• share libraries 
• set up Cite While You Write

Set up find full text in Desktop Version

  • OpenURL path: https://catalog.library.vanderbilt.edu/view/uresolver/01VAN_INST/openurl?
  • Authentication URL: http://proxy.library.vanderbilt.edu/login?url=

Training Videos:

EndNote Support, Training, and Other Resources

The VU & VUMC Software Stores offer discounted price on the desktop version: EndNote 21

VU Software Store                                  VUMC Software Store

Mendeley

Vanderbilt has an institutional license for Mendeley. Register with your Vanderbilt email and you will be automatically assigned a premium upgrade.

Download Mendeley Applications

Training Videos:

Zotero

About: Zotero is a free, open-source citation management software. 
Website: https://www.zotero.org/
Vanderbilt OpenURL Resolver: https://catalog.library.vanderbilt.edu/openurl/01VAN_INST/01VAN_INST:vanui 

Getting Started

How-to Guide

Zotero Support and Training
  1. Download the desktop application
    View and manage your citations from your desktop.
     
  2. Register for a free online account
    Sync your online account with your desktop application to view and manage your library online.
     
  3. Install the web connector
    Import citations from the web directly into your Zotero library.

Managing Citations with Zotero:
How-to Guide

Consult this guide to learn how to:

  • Create and set up a Zotero account
  • Sync your libraries
  • Import citations
  • Look up items in the library catalog while in Zotero
  • Find available PDFs
  • Organize and Share citations

  • Use Zotero in Microsoft Word

Information and materials available from Zotero's website.