Referencing tools and software
Referencing tools, or citation tools, are digital applications that help manage and organize references and citations for academic and professional writing. They streamline the process, ensuring sources are properly credited and formatted.
BUV LIBRARY SEARCH CITATION TOOL
At BUV, you can take advantage of the integrated citation feature within our library search system during your research process.
You can create a citation in Library Search for any search result that you find.
⚠ IMPORTANT: Automatically generated references often contain inaccuracies, especially of punctuation. Always check the generated reference against the style guide and edit it if you need to.
- After you search in WorldCat Discovery, items in your search results will include icons to cite, share, and save a record or a list of records. The icons are available from the brief results and on the detailed record.
- Use the ‘Cite’ button to create a bibliography of resources. From the search result screen or the detail description screen, click on the “Cite” button.
- Export a citation: Cite the record using EndNote, RefWorks or RIS.
- Copy a citation: Generate and copy a citation.
Note: The citation may include missing data that you must manually add to the citation. Missing information is indicated in capital letters. Copying and pasting may result in the loss of formatting.
OTHER CITATION TOOLS
You can also use a variety of other citation tools to manage your references. These tools can help you organize your sources, generate citations, and ensure that your references are correctly formatted. Some popular citation tools include:
- Zotero
- Mendeley
- JabRef
- EndNote
- Refworks
Zotero
Zotero is a powerful, open-source reference management software that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share research sources.
- It allows you to save references from websites, databases, and library catalogs with a single click.
- Zotero integrates with word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs for easy citation insertion.
- You can also create and join collaborative research groups to share sources and collaborate on projects.
- It supports various citation styles and offers both desktop and web versions.
Mendeley
Mendeley is a free reference manager and academic social network that enables researchers to manage their research, display their work, and collaborate with others online.
- It allows you to organize documents, create citations, and annotate PDFs.
- Mendeley offers a desktop application as well as web and mobile versions.
- You can create private or public groups to collaborate with colleagues and share research.
- It supports over 8,000 citation styles and integrates with Microsoft Word and LibreOffice for seamless citation insertion.
JabRef
JabRef is an open-source bibliography reference manager that uses BibTeX as its native format.
- It allows you to manage and organize references, import, and export bibliographic data, and search databases directly from the application.
- JabRef provides features like grouping entries, searching, and sorting, and automatically generating BibTeX keys.
- It supports various citation styles and integrates with LaTeX editors for academic writing.
- JabRef is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems..
EndNote
EndNote is a widely used reference management software developed by Clarivate Analytics. While EndNote offers robust features for organizing references, creating citations, and managing bibliographies, it is primarily a paid software. However, it also offers a free online version called EndNote Basic (formerly known as EndNote Web), which has some limitations compared to the paid desktop version. Here is an overview:
EndNote Desktop (Paid)
Condensing the main points or ideas from a source into a concise form, providing an overview without including all the details.
- EndNote Desktop is the full-featured version of the software, offering advanced reference management capabilities.
- Users can store and organize references, create custom groups and libraries, and import references from online databases and library catalogs.
- EndNote Desktop supports thousands of citations styles and integrates with word processors like Microsoft Word and LibreOffice for citing references and formatting bibliographies.
- It also provides advanced features such as PDF annotation, full-text search, and customizable search filters.
- EndNote Desktop is available for purchase as standalone software or as part of Clarivate Analytics’ subscription packages.
EndNote Basic (Free)
- EndNote Basic is the free online version of EndNote, which offers basic reference management features.
- Users can create an online library, store references, and organize them into groups and folders.
- EndNote Basic allows users to generate citations and bibliographies in assorted styles and export references to Microsoft Word.
- However, EndNote Basic has limitations compared to the desktop version, such as a smaller storage capacity, fewer citation styles, and limited integration options.
- EndNote Basic is often provided as a complimentary service with institutional subscriptions to EndNote Desktop or through partnerships with academic institutions.
While EndNote Basic is free to use, it may not provide all the advanced features and functionalities available in the paid desktop version. Users who require advanced features may choose to purchase EndNote Desktop or explore other free or open-source re
RefWorks
RefWorks is a popular cloud-based reference management software that helps researchers collect, organize, store, and cite their references. Here is some information about RefWorks:
Cloud-Based Platform:
- RefWorks is entirely cloud-based, meaning users can access their reference library from any internet-connected device.
- This allows for seamless collaboration and synchronization across multiple devices.
Reference Management:
- Users can import references from various online databases, library catalogs, and websites directly into their RefWorks library.
- It offers tools to organize references into folders, add tags for categorization, and annotate documents.
Citation and Bibliography Generation:
- RefWorks supports thousands of citation styles, making it suitable for researchers across various disciplines.
- Users can easily insert citations and create bibliographies within their documents using the built-in citation tool.
Integration with Writing Tools:
- RefWorks integrates with popular word processing software such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, allowing users to cite references directly while writing.
Collaboration Features:
- RefWorks enables collaboration among researchers by allowing users to share folders and collaborate on projects.
- It provides options to control access permissions for shared folders, ensuring privacy and security.
Accessibility and Support:
- RefWorks offers customer support and resources to help users get started and troubleshoot any issues.
- It provides training materials, webinars, and tutorials to assist users in maximizing the software’s capabilities.
Institutional Subscriptions:
- RefWorks is often available to students, faculty, and staff through institutional subscriptions provided by universities and research institutions.
- Users can typically access RefWorks through their institution’s library website or portal.
Overall, RefWorks is a comprehensive reference management solution that offers a user-friendly interface, robust features, and accessibility across devices. It is particularly beneficial for researchers who require cloud-based access and collaboration capabilities. However, users should verify the availability and subscription status of RefWorks through their respective institutions.