Mendeley: Adding references

Step 1

Export your previous library as a reference type file e.g. a .bib, .xml, or .ris. file.

See right the example from EndNote on how to export your library as a .xml file.

Step 2

In Mendeley, select the 'Add new' button in the top left-hand corner.

Under the drop-down menu select:

'Import library'

Then select the type of file you have exported your library as, e.g. .xml.

Step 3

You will receieve a message in the bottom right-hand corner if the import is successful such as this one pictured right.

Mendeley will import 1 file, but multiple references.

If you have duplicates, that is, somewhere in your library a matching reference exists, Mendeley will alert you to this and encourage you to review the duplicates.

Step 4

Remember to check all information for each record being imported.

Open the reference pane and select 'Info'.

Look through the different elements and double-check they look correct.

If you notice any issues, click the element and type in the correct information.

Step 1

To add an entry manually, start by clicking on the 'Add new' button in the top left hand corner.

From the drop down menu select 'Add reference manually'

Step 2

When adding a reference manually, you may like to try searching for it first.

Using an identifier, you can search a variety of databases to find the resource you want to import.

Step 3

If the reference cannot be found through searching, you need to write it out.

First step is to select the reference type.

Remember, different references require different elements, a journal article will have different information to a webpage.

Step 4

Work your way through the different element fields for the reference type.

Thoroughly check each field as you enter the information.

Try and fill out as many of the element fields as you can. The more information you have, the easier it will be to change between reference styles e.g. APA to Vancouver.

Step 5

Once you have entered all of the information, click 'Add entry' to add the reference to your library.

You can add/edit the information later if needed.

Step 1

A link to install the Mendeley Web Importer can be found in the menu bar of the desktop app.

Step 2

Once you've clicked this link you will be directed to the Mendeley web site.

Note: you can also come directly here instead of using the app.

Step 3

You will be redirected to the online store of your browser e.g. Edge or Chrome.

Step 4

Click to download this extension to your browser and double check it is visible in the toolbar.

Note: if you have any problems downloading the extension check your security settings and cookies/cache.

Step 5

Once you have downloaded the Mendeley Web Importer extension you will need to log in to your Elsevier/Mendeley account.

By logging in you will connect to your library which will allow you to automatically import references into the library from your browser.

Remember to log in with your CDU authenticated account to keep the institutional benefits such as storage space.

Step 6

As you are collecting your resources, you will be able to export a reference directly from the browser.

Simply click on the icon in the toolbar and a pop-up window will open with the reference information.

Click on any of the resource information to open the edit screen and directly change/edit the information within the browser.

Step 7

When exporting the reference, tick the box to select the resource and then using the drop-down menu select the list to import to.

The default setting is My Library which will send the reference only to the main holdings or you can select a specific group/collection.

Step 5

Remember to check all information for each record being imported.

Open the reference pane and select 'Info'.

Look through the different elements and double-check they look correct.

If you notice any issues, click the element and type in the correct information.