Benefits of Using Citation Management Tools
Script of video:
Managing a list of references or citations for a written project can be a frustrating and lengthy process. Fortunately, there is a solution. Citation management tools like RefWorks [RefWorks is no longer available at Western Libraries], EndNote, Zotero, and others can help you save time.
Instead of going back to trace all the sources you used in your paper once you are done, citation tools help you manage your bibliographical information while you research. This can save you a lot of time and energy, and better yet, it keeps your citations organized and accessible.
Most citation tools include the following key features.
Citations for journal articles, books, and other sources can be imported directly from bibliographic databases, such as PudMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PsycInfo, the library catalogue, and other webpages.
Citation information can be manually entered and edited. Citations can be organized and managed using folders.
Citations can be shared with and sometimes even edited by others. This is useful for collaborative or group work.
A bibliography, endnotes, footnotes, or in-text citations can be generated automatically. Be sure to double check for accuracy here.
It’s often possible to export citations from one management tool into another. This is useful when you have to switch between citation tools.
Remember, some of these tools are free, and some of them are licensed for current student, staff, and faculty at the university.
For more assistance, contact the library.
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