Reference and Citation Managers: About Reference Managers

Reference Management Systems, Reference management software, citation management software or Bibliographic management software helps the student or researcher manage bibliographic citations (references), the addition of notes while allowing the sharing of references to a group, and collaborative working. References and citations recorded can be reused as required to generate inline citations and bibliographies for assignments and publication.  

The system/software normally allows the user to save citation details to a ‘library’ and folders.

There is frequently a browser extension or plugin and a desktop application to be set up. Most integrate into word processing software to help manage the formatting of inline citations and generation of bibliographies.

Normally, the user can import references and citations from other systems and sites, including other reference management software if it is in one of the standard formats such as:

Other functions may include:

• Searching the online subscriptions of a library for full text
• Searching Google Scholar for full text
• Searching library catalogues for print books and print journals
• Selecting and setting your citation style
• Generating bibliographies without having to launch a word processing package.

When selecting a reference manager, consider whether you want to do the following 

• Access the website, install a browser extension, install the desktop version on the PC you want to use it on.
  • Your personal pc may have fewer restrictions than a work PC, or those connecting from within the HSE network  
• Work online via online library and browser extension
• Browser compatibility
• Work Offline, and download/sync from your online library of saved references
• Operating System Compatibility
• Word processing package compatibility
• Collaborate with others on bibliographies
• Collaborate with others to share libraries
• Import/Export file formats supported
• Preloaded reference styles
• Editable/customisable reference styles
• Edit data fields  
• Cost
• Video tutorials
• Where to get access
• Mobile device friendly
• Search for full text content from within the reference manager