Citation managers store, organize, and format citations for papers and bibliographies in a variety of output styles such as APA or MLA. Many citation managers include features such as allowing users to annotate a citation, attach a PDF to the citation, collaborate with others, or create in-text citations. The four most commonly used citation manager programs at the University of Delaware are:
RefWorks
The University of Delaware Library has a subscription to RefWorks. Workshops offered by librarians help users get started and learn more advanced features. Users can create multiple accounts, which are easy to share among research groups and with class project teammates. Undergraduates will find this tool generally easy to use. A strong Write-N-Cite component is available for use when writing a paper. Graduate students will find the organizational options in RefWorks an aid in the research and writing process. Faculty may find the ease of sharing bibliographies with students an advantage of RefWorks.
EndNote
EndNote Web is built into Web of Science and is especially easy to use with this database. EndNote is a rather sophisticated citation manager and offers a large number of citation formats and options. The capabilities of the purchased EndNote software that is loaded on one's computer differ from those of the web product provided by the Library.
Zotero
Zotero is a free, easy to use, open source citation manager available on the web. Many users like Zotero because of its simple integration into the browser and its ability to add PDFs, images, audiovisual files, and snapshots of web pages with a single click.
Mendeley
Mendeley is also free on the web. The social networking capabilities are a major attraction of this citation management software.
| RefWorks | EndNote Web | Zotero | Mendeley | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | No cost for UD students, faculty, and staff. The University of Delaware Library subscribes to RefWorks of all UD affiliates. | No cost for UD students, faculty, and staff. EndNote Web is part of the Web of Knowledge subscription. Also, free account with EndNote purchase. | Free for basic account, some cost for storage space beyond 100 mb. | Free for basic account, some cost for more storage space |
| Web/OS | Web-based via Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Chrome/Windows, Mac not Linux | Web-based/Windows, Mac, Linux | Standalone app pairs with plugins for Firefox, Chrome, and Safari | Web site, but full functionality from Mendeley desktop installed on computer |
| Mac/Win | Both | Both | Both | Both |
| Word Processor Compatibility |
All word processors that allow files to be saved as RTF. Write-N-Cite tools are available in Word only |
Word | Word, Open Office, LaTex | Word, Open Office, LaTex |
| Import methods/records from | Direct import from most databases and library catalogs. Other databases require creating and importing a text file. | Direct import from some databases. Other databases will require separate download and import steps. Will import citation information from web pages. | Direct import from Web, catalogs, Amazon records, some databases. Other databases require individual record import. | Use "Import to Mendeley" browser plug-in (works for many major vendors, but not all) |
| Includes full text | Link to full text provided when available | No | Full text included in record | No |
| Links to .pdf | PDFs can be attached | Yes | Metadata includes pdf link |
Yes |
| Notes | Notes can be added to citations | Notes can be added to citations | Allows for notes in record and on PDFs | Allows for notes and annotations in record and on PDFs |
| Where is my database stored? | All citations are stored on RefWorks servers. | In your EndNote Web account on the web. | Local computer but can synch/backup to Cloud | In the UK. If you do not sync to Mendeley web, data will be stored on local computer only. |
| Export format |
Bibliographic Software (ex. EndNote & ProCite), Bib TeX, Citations List, RefWorks tagged format, RefWorks XML format, Tab delimited |
EndNote, RefMan, Refer, RefWorks, RIS, Tabdemimited, Bib TeX | RIS files, BibTeX, Refer/BiblX | RIS files, BibTeX, EndNote XML |
| Sharing | Yes, all folders or selected folders can be shared. Shared accounts may be created. | Yes. You can also share with EndNote Web users at any institution | Yes, public and private. | Yes, private and public groups may be created to share refs, files, annotations, notes |
| Imports RSS feeds | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Attachments file size limits | 20 megabytes per attachment | Only when used with EndNote X5 | Limited by local device (desktop/laptop) capacity. | No limit for local computer storage. 50MB on file synced file attachments. |
| Database storage size | 1 gigabyte for all citations and attachments | 10,000 citations | Desktop storage limited by local device; 100MB backup in cloud | Unlimited local storage and data syncing; 500MB personal and 500MB group free Mendeley file syncing (larger plans available for purchase) |
| Backup | Yes, it is possible to backup citations | Yes, by exporting citations to your hard drive | Available by registering to sync to Zotero Library (100 MB max) | Yes, by manual backup from Mendeley desktop |
| Browser compatibility | Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, and Chrome | Toolbar shortcuts available for Internet Explorer and Firefox. | Firefox, Chrome, and Safari | All major browsers |
| Deduping | Yes, exact duplicates and close duplicate can be identified and removed. | Identifies exact duplicates for removal. | Yes, in version 3 and later | No |
| Global editing? | Yes | No | No | No |
| Searchable | Yes, your citations and many attachments can be searched. | Yes | Yes, including PDFs and other indexed files | Yes, including PDFs |
| Edit output styles | Yes | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Mobile devices | No mobile app, but there is a mobile ready interface. | No app; only via browser. | Only via using browser to access Zotero server | App for Apple and Android devices |
| Library support | Library Workshops, individual consultations and an online tutorial are available |
Librarians can offer limited support. EndNote Web documentation |
Zotero documentation | Mendeley documentation |
| What happens when I leave UD? | Access to accounts can be retained though the RefWorks Alumni Program. | You can export the records to another program. | Fully portable at no cost | Fully portable at no cost |