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Citation Managers

Comparison Charts

Wikipedia - Long list of many citation managers

Charts for Endnote, Mendeley, & Zotero

University of Wisconsin-Madison Chart

MIT Libraries Chart

Penn State Library Chart

What is Citation Management Software?

Citation management software helps you

  • Organize references, PDFs, and images as you work
  • Format reference lists and in-text citations in different citation styles
  • Share your references and collaborate with colleagues
  Endnote 20 Mendeley Zotero
Vendor Clarivate - Integrated in Web of Science database Elsevier - integrated with Science Direct database Open Source
Versions   Both web based and downloadable Mendeley Reference Manager available.  
Cost Free download via the UCO Central Tech Store Free via https://www.mendeley.com. Extra cost for upgraded storage. Free via https://www.zotero.org/. Extra cost for upgraded storage.
Strengths
  • The most powerful and full-featured citation manager; also the most complex to learn.
  • Flexible integration with MS Word. Available for Mac and Windows
  • Integrated searches with PubMed and Web of Science
  • Ability to manage many references
  • The web based and desktop versions allow you to sync your library of resources between these versions and across different computers.
  • Integrated searches with ScienceDirect
  • Good for group work and to share resources
  • Most user friendly.
  • Available to install as standalone program, or create free online account. Available versions for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
  • Integration with Google Docs.
  • Good for group work and to share resources.
Storage Unlimited storage space. The free, non-premium account provides up to 2 GB of online storage and up to 5 private groups of up to 25 members. More storage available for a fee. Free online storage up to 300mb. More storage available for fee.
Collaboration Share your library with up to 100 other Endnote Desktop users; can also share private groups on Endnote Basic. Mendeley allows you to share citations and documents with a group of 10 other users, or create an accessible public reading list. Create an unlimited number of both private and public online groups to share citations and PDFs.
Ease of Use More advanced Moderately easy User friendly
       
       
       

 

Based on a guide from University of Manitoba Libraries https://libguides.lib.umanitoba.ca/citationmanagers