The Library currently offers frequent workshops on Zotero, an open-source system for Citation management. You may request a workshop on Zotero, Mendeley or Endnote by emailing askus.uvic.ca.
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.
| 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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