Referencing programs allow you to collect, store and manage references, insert in-text references in your document, and generate reference lists according to your selected style.
CDU Library supports the use of EndNote and Mendeley and is licensed to provide these programs to CDU students and staff.
These popular citation managers all provide the same basic features and functionality with a few exceptions and some features specific to particular tools. Use the chart below to narrow down your choices, the rest is personal preference. Talk to people in your department – some disciplines tend to use one tool more than others.
|
Criteria |
Zotero |
Mendeley |
EndNote |
|
Website |
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|
Web-based? |
Can sync with online account; connectors for Firefox, Chrome and Safari and Opera available |
Not primarily, but can sync with an online account which is editable |
Yes, with EndNote basic account or if you transfer library to EndNote Online |
|
Cost |
Free for basic account, some cost for more online storage space |
CDU staff and students have free access to Mendeley Premium |
CDU staff and students have free access |
|
Word-processor compatibility |
MS Word, Open Office, Google Docs |
MS Word, Open Office, LaTex |
MS Office, Open Office, iWork Pages |
|
Number of import filters |
247 "translators;" other sources captured as web page |
About 50, + COinS, + integrates with Zotero's "translators" |
700+ |
|
Import from databases |
Yes |
Yes |
Direct export from specific databases |
|
Import citation info from web pages |
Yes, also archives the page and you can add annotations |
Yes, with a bookmark for a limited number of sites (mostly publishers or databases) |
Yes, with Web Capture tool |
|
Storage capacity |
Unlimited local storage and data syncing; 100MB free Zotero file syncing (larger syncing plans available for purchase); or can use WebDav |
Unlimited local storage and data syncing; 1GB personal and 100MB shared online space (larger online storage plans available for purchase) |
Unlimited local storage |
|
Attach associated files (PDFs, etc.) |
Yes, with option to attach automatically |
Yes, and can highlight and annotate PDFs |
Yes, and can highlight and annotate PDFs |
|
Search full text of PDFs |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Duplicate detection |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes; fully customisable |
|
Create group or shared libraries |
Yes |
Yes, free for up to 3 group members (larger group plans available for purchase) |
Yes, with up to 100 people and includes attachments and PDFs |
|
Create bibliography with different styles |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Automatic citation extraction from PDFs |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Other features |
Sync library with multiple computers |
Sync library with multiple computers |
Insert figures and charts using word processor integration |
Courtesy of PennState University Libraries