Managing Your References: Tips for Choosing
How do I choose?
Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you choose a reference manager. Compare answers for Endnote, Mendeley and Zotero:
| EndNote | Mendeley | Zotero | |
| What support can I get? | Ongoing support is available through Endnote.com from Clarivate Analytics. ITS can troubleshoot many technical problems. The Library provides online video tutorials and guides. | Mendeley provides support through online guides and video tutorials. | Zotero provides support through online guides and video tutorials. |
| How do I get it? | Already available on the Student Desktop. Free on application: | Create an account online and download a copy. | Create an account online and download a copy. |
| How much does it cost? |
Students: Free on student virtual desktop, free for personal licence. Staff: Free to install on any University-owned computer, free for personal device. |
Free. | Free. |
| What citation styles does it have? | 6000+ styles including all main styles. | 2000+ styles including all main styles. | 2000+ styles including all main styles. |
| How many references can I have? | Unlimited. | Unlimited references up to 100 Gb of personal and shared storage. | Unlimited to the 100 Mb limit. |
| How much storage space do I get? | Limited only by the memory space you choose to commit to it. | Up to 100 Gb of personal and shared storage. | 300 Mb free online, unlimited space on the desktop version. |
| Does it integrate with Microsoft Word? | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Will it work on my Mac OS X? | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
| Can it manage abbreviated journal names? | Automatic substitution with Journal Terms List. Must activate/install this list before previewing a reference. | Must edit abbreviations manually. | Must edit abbreviations manually. |
| Can I access my library from a mobile device? |
Yes for Endnote Basic. iPad app available for Endnote. |
Apps for both Android and iPad available. | Apps for both Android and iPad available. |
| Does it support collaboration? | Yes but with limits. | Yes. Unlimited groups with up to 100 collaborators | Yes. |
| Can I work offline? | Yes. | Yes. | Yes. |
Comparison Sites
There are a number of websites that provide comparisons of reference management programs. Below are some we recommend:
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Citation Management Software Assessment Form - The University of Wisconsin-MadisonPlease note - the cost comparison information does not apply to University of Otago staff or students.
Official Product FAQ's
Is your question about a product not answered in the table to the left? Need more detail? Try these instead: