Citing your papers is an important part of the research process.
However, citing your papers can also become one of the more frustrating and time-consuming parts of the research process. Citation management software can help you save time by allowing you to:
There are several free and discounted citation management software options available to students, staff and faculty at UVic:
Take a look at our tool-comparison guide to find one right for you.
The Library currently offers frequent workshops on Zotero, an open-source system for Citation management.
How do you choose the best citation management software? There are many factors to consider, such as:
We've put together a comparison chart below to help you identify the different features available and figure out the best option for you.
For more information on citation managers, or to learn more on how to download and step-by-step instructions, visit the Citation Management at UVic libguide
| Zotero | Mendeley |
Endnote Basic |
Endnote Desktop |
Microsoft |
|
| Cost | Free | Free | Free | $165 at UVic Bookstore | Reference manager included with Word |
| License | Open Source | Closed Source | Closed Source | Closed Source | Closed Source |
|
Where do I get it? |
zotero.org | mendeley.com | Endnote Website | UVic Bookstore | Free at Office 365 for Students |
| How much free online storage does it come with? | 300MB (can purchase more). If you have personal cloud storage, you can also sync Zotero to your personal account. | 2GB (can purchase more) | 2GB for files (up to 50,000 references) | Unlimited | n/a |
| Desktop or browser based? | Desktop & web application for syncing | Desktop & web application for syncing | Browser only | Desktop with web application for syncing | Desktop |
|
Can it capture citations from web? |
Yes | Yes | Through a bookmarklet or 9 predefined databases | Through a bookmarklet or 6000 predefined databases | No |
| What word processing programs does it work with | Natively: Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, Google Docs; can use RTF scan for other programs like RStudio and LaTeX | Microsoft Word using "Mendeley Cite" | Microsoft Word using "Cite While You Write" | Microsoft Word using "Cite While You Write" | Word |
| Can I use it on my mobile device? | Yes, limited use through a web interface | Yes, iOS, Android & web interface | Yes, iOS & web interface | iOS app with Endnote Online Account | No |
| Can I collaborate with others? | Yes, through private or public group libraries on cloud. | Yes, through private or public group libraries on cloud. | Yes, you can share group library | Yes, you can share groups library or share entire library with up to 100 people who are using Endnote X9, X8, X7 | No |
| Can I share PDFs and other notes? | Yes, through private groups | Yes, through private groups | No, only citations | Only with other people running the paid desktop versions of X7, X8, or X9 (100 person limit) | No |
| Does it store PDFs? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Does it extract and store annotations? | Yes, using the Zotfile Plugin | ||||
| Does it have open source plugins for added functionality? | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| How many citation styles are supported? | Unlimited (through community repository & you can build your own styles) | Unlimited (through citation style repository) | Top 21 styles | More than 7,000 & user can add more. | 12 (but you can customize XML file for more) |
| Where is my data stored? | Desktop; Cloud (if you sync) | Desktop; Cloud (if you sync) | Cloud | Desktop; Cloud (if you sync) | Desktop |
| Can I sync across multiple devices? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| URL for download or use | zotero.org | Mendeley Website | My Endnote Web | n/a | |
| Where can I find support documents? |
Zotero Support | Mendeley Support | Endnote Support | Office Support | |
| Do the libraries offer workshops? | Yes | Yes | On request | On request | No |
| updated: | August 2020 |
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