Choosing Citation Management Software
Used with permission (CC-BY) from the University of Michigan, with slight modification
| Does This Program Meet My Needs? | ||||
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I want to … |
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Capture info from web pages. |
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Import information from databases. |
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Search a database or catalog from the program. |
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(catalog only) |
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Manage a collection of PDFs. |
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Work with my collection without needing the Internet. |
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Work from multiple computers. |
(sync with EndNote Web) |
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Work on a tablet, app, or mobile site. |
(app now free) |
(app now free) |
(free app) |
(free app) |
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Share my collection with others and have them add to it. |
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Not spend any money on this tool. |
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(cost for more storage)
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(cost for more storage & group functionality)
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(cost for more storage) |
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Online Learning Videos & Tutorials |
EndNote Training Channel | Mendeley Video Tutorials | Zotero Tutorials | |
Finding Formatted Citations
Available in all of our databases (and Google Scholar if you set up preferences) is the built-in citation tool for UC-eLinks. Choose from one of 5 bibliographic styles then copy & paste the text into a document.
Many databases and Google Scholar have a Cite link that will display an article's citation in one of many citation styles. Look for it when viewing the details about an article.
As with any tool like these, is it not guaranteed to be accurate all of the time. To be certain everything is perfect, consult the offical style manuals.
Citation Generators & Guides
Citation generators are tools in which you type the information regarding the citation (instead of pulling directly from a database or catalog) - they usually have a form to help guide you in what information is needed - and then they format it into the style you need.
Citation Tools for Any Type of Citation:
If you have the information about an article or book, you can use one of the tools below to put it in the right format.
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KnightCiteA free tool from Calvin College's Hekman Library. Choose from MLA, APA, & Chicago citation styles.
Click on the Resource Type then enter the information in the form. Not as automated as EasyBib, but a clear and easy form to use. -
Citation BuilderAnother library created tool - this time from NC State University Libraries. It has is the most simplified of the tools - choose the type of resource you have, fill out the information, and then select either APA or MLA citation style. Click Submit. It is ready to copy & paste.
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Citation MachineAn easy to use tool for ALA, MLA, Chicago, or Turabian style. Use the auto-fill mode or type it all in yourself.
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Microsoft WordThe most robust of the tools and also the more difficult one to use. The advantage is the additional style types, particularly Engineering types. You will also be able to reuse citations, but you do have to type in the information.