Skip to Main Content
UC Logo
Libraries | Ask the Libraries

Citation Management Software

This guide provides information on RefWorks, EndNote, and Zotero.

Get Library Help

Need help? Use the buttons to access information on frequently asked questions.

Accessing Library Resources FAQs

Need help accessing library resources? Running into problems? Check out our access FAQs:

Overview of Citation Management Software

What is citation management software?  

Citation management software can help you:

  • Collect citations from online databases and library catalogs
  • Organize, edit, and search through the citations you've saved
  • Insert in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliographies into your Word document
  • Create bibliographies in well-known styles like APA, Vancouver, and even specific journal styles like Nature
  • Share your citations and collaborate with colleagues on projects

What are the options?

The library supports 3 options:

  1. RefWorks
  2. EndNote
  3. Zotero
Access to RefWorks will cease at the end of May 2025. Contact your liaison librarian if you have any questions.

Comparison Chart

Citation Management Software Comparison: Additional Information Chart
  RefWorks EndNote Desktop Zotero
Cost  Free for UC users Discount pricing for UC users Free open source software
Storage Capacity Unlimited Unlimited 300MB free; option to pay for more cloud storage
Ease of use Easy to set up & learn basics Steeper learning curve Easy to learn
Import citation from web page Yes, using 'Save to RefWorks' tool; but doesn't always work No Yes, also archives the page
Duplicate detection Yes Yes, for author(s), keyword(s), and journal title Yes, for author(s), journal title, tags; does not add duplicates to the same folder
Cite while writing Integrates with Word & Google Docs Integrates with Word & Apple Pages Integrates with Word & Google Docs
Collaboration support Easy for groups at the same institution; not supported across institutions Free sharing of citations & attachments up to 100 EndNote users Create public & private groups
Availability after UC Yes Yes (personal account) Yes
Librarian's Opinion Can be quite glitchy. Not our favorite option. Is a very nice citation manager but is quite expensive. Consistently performs well. If you are wanting a free citation manager this is your best bet.

 

Citation Manager Plug-ins

Citation managers offer a variety of Word plug-ins. However, UCIT does not support all options! Make sure to choose appropriately based on the version of Word you will be using.
Citation Manager UC Supported Browser Extensions Desktop App Desktop Word - Office 365 In-Browser Word - Office 365 Google Docs
Refworks Yes, subscription Bookmarklet Online-only Write-n-Cite In browser - RCM In-browser plugin: Refworks for Google Docs
Mendeley Free, limited account for individual researchers Chrome, Edge, Firefox, & Safari Mendeley Desktop App Word plugin - install from Mendeley Desktop App Not available to UC due to security concerns Not supported
Endnote Individual must purchase Capture Endnote Reference & Endnote Click Endnote Software Cite While You Write Cite While You Write, EndNote Web Not supported
Zotero Open Source Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari, & bookmarklet Zotero for Windows, macOS, & Linux Zotero word plugin No add-in compatible In-browser plugin - Zotero Connector

 

University of Cincinnati Libraries

PO Box 210033 Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0033

Phone: 513-556-1424

Contact Us | Staff Directory

University of Cincinnati

Alerts | Clery and HEOA Notice | Notice of Non-Discrimination | eAccessibility Concern | Privacy Statement | Copyright Information

© 2021 University of Cincinnati