Referencing software 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 is licensed to provide the program to CDU students and staff. Other free programs, Mendeley and Zotero, are also useful. You can compare each program using the information below but please note that CDU Library does not provide extensive support to referencing programs other than Endnote.
Courtesy of PennState University Libraries
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Criteria |
Zotero |
Mendeley |
EndNote |
|
Website |
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Web-based? |
Can sync with online account; connectors for Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera available |
Not primarily, but can sync with an online account which is editable |
No, but can transfer library to EndNote Online |
|
Operating System |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
Windows or macOS |
|
Cost |
Free for basic account, some cost for more online storage space |
Free for basic account, some cost for more online storage space |
CDU staff & students can download for free through portal |
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Word-processor compatibility |
MS Word, Open Office, Libre Office, Google Docs |
MS Word, Open Office, LaTex |
MS Office, Open Office, iWork Pages |
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Mobile Device Application |
iPad, iPhone and 3rd party Android apps, web interface |
iPad, iPhone, 3rd party Android apps, web interface |
iPad, web interface |
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Number of citation styles |
About 16 pre-loaded, "thousands" available for download from Zotero |
Over 1180 |
Top 100 downloaded, over 4000 more available |
|
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) |
only with EndNote Online bookmarklet |
|
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 |
Limited |
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 |