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
615-936-3459
Camille Ivey
Reference Librarian
Eskind Biomedical Library
Contact
camille.ivey@vanderbilt.edu
615-875-9613
Heather Laferriere, MLIS
Reference & Instruction Librarian
Eskind Biomedical Library
Contact:
heather.e.laferriere@vanderbilt.edu
(615) 936-1387
Note: For a nice comparison of the pros and cons of these tools please see:
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
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Endnote Desktop - Start Up Guide for setting up sync between desktop version and online account, sharing citations, & cite while you write
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Endnote Online - Set Up for setting up online account, adding citations, sharing citations, & cite while you write
Training Videos:
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Account Creation & SetupVideo Tutorial, available from EBL librarian
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How to use EndNote 20 in seven minutes: WindowsVideo tutorial, available from Endnote.com
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How to use EndNote 20 in seven minutes: macOSVideo tutorial, available from Endnote.com
EndNote Support, Training, and Other Resources
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EndNote TrainingInformation on using EndNote, with links to resources.
Available from EndNote.com
The VU & VUMC Software Stores offer discounted price on the desktop version: EndNote 20
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
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Mendeley Web ImporterImport papers, web pages and other documents directly into your reference library from search engines and academic databases.
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Citation PlugLets you cite as you write. Compatible with Microsoft Word on Windows and Mac.
Training Videos:
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Getting Started with MendeleyVideo tutorial, available from YouTube
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Mendeley Videos & TutorialsAvailable from mendeley.com
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Help GuidesAvailable from mendeley.com
Zotero
How-to Guide
Consult the following guide in order to learn how to:
- Create and set up a Zotero account
- Sync your libraries
- Import citations
- Organize and Share citations
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Use Zotero in Microsoft Word
Getting Started
Download the Desktop Application
https://www.zotero.org/download/
View and manage your citations from your desktop.
Register for a free Online Account
https://www.zotero.org/user/register/
Sync your online account with your desktop application to view and manage your library online.
Install the Web Connector
https://www.zotero.org/download/
Import citations from the web directly into your Zotero library.
Zotero Support and Training
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Quick Start GuideOverview of Zotero's features and capabilities
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Zotero SupportDocumentation and instructions
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Zotero Training VideosAvailable from zotero.org
