Referencing Software Guide

Referencing software can be used to format references that you download from databases, Library Search, or through manual input. These references are stored in a 'library' and can be used across different devices.

In text citations and reference lists can be inserted automatically into your word documents which can save you a lot of time and effort.

All the major referencing styles (APA, MHRA, Chicago etc.) are compatible with the referencing software, if you are using a style that is unavailable, please get in touch, we should be able to get it for you.

However!

You still need to have an understanding of the referencing style you are wanting to use, the system will try and get the references correct, but it is only as good as the information that is put in to it and on occasion there will be mistakes, so you need to be able to identify when there is a mistake so you can correct it.

It also needs to be used consistently throughout your documents, so use it right from the beginning of your assignments, not halfway through.

But saying that...

It can seem like more trouble than its worth when you begin, however once you get the hang of the software, it is a really useful tool.

Endnote, Zotero and Mendeley all operate similarly, with different advantages and disadvantages.

Ultimately it is up to you as to which one to use, you may just find one of them suits you better than the others.

Hopefully this guide will help you with that choice. Take a look at the quick comparison table below, then try out the interactive videos, and from there decide which one might work best for you.