Skip to main content

Libraries | Ask the Libraries

HSL Popular Resources

This guide links to frequently used HSL databases and ebook collections.

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?

This guide is focused on 4 options: New RefWorks, Sciwheel (formally F1000Workspace), EndNote, and Zotero.
Legacy RefWorks users: consider transitioning to New RefWorks. (Legacy RefWorks Login)
There are many more citation manager options available. View Wikipedia Comparison of Reference Management Software for additional information.

Comparison of Citation Manager Features
Citation Managers	Features	Links
New RefWorks Video Tutorial	Free while at UC (UC paid subscription) Access web-based interface anywhere Grab citations as you browse using Firefox or Chrome plugin Write & cite using plugin for Word	Create account / Log in Help Guide
Sciwheel (formally F1000Workspace) Video Tutorials	Free while at UC (UC paid subscription) Access web-based interface anywhere Desktop app available Save citations as you browse using all major browsers Cite in Word	Create account / Log in Help Guide
EndNote Desktop Video tutorials	Purchase software with educational discount. Integrates with Microsoft Word or Apple Pages using Cite While You Write (CWYW) Includes free EndNote Online that syncs with the desktop version EndNote online account registration page	Free 30 day trial Help Guide
Zotero Video tutorials	Free and open source Grab citations as you browse using Firefox, Chrome, or Safari plugin Backup and sync on multiple devices via online account Plugins for Word Third party mobile apps available	Create account / Log in Download Help Guide

Based on University of Toronto Libraries https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/c.php?g=250610&p=1671259

Comparison Chart

Citation Management Software Comparison: Additional Information Chart
	New RefWorks	Sciwheel (formally F1000Workspace)	EndNote Desktop	Zotero
Cost	Free for UC users	Free for UC users	Discount pricing for UC users	Free open source software
Storage Capacity	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	300MB free; option to pay for more cloud storage
Ease of use	Easy to set up & learn basics	Easy to set up & use	Steeper learning curve	Easy to learn
Import citation from web page	Yes, using 'Save to RefWorks' tool; but doesn't always work	Yes, using browser extension	No	Yes, also archives the page
Duplicate detection	Yes	Yes, for title and publication year	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	Works 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	Can create a shared list of references & share with non-subscribers	Free sharing of citations & attachments up to 100 EndNote users	Create public & private groups
Availability after UC	Yes	No (UC license)	Yes (personal account)	Yes

Last Updated: Jan 8, 2021 1:57 PM
URL: https://guides.libraries.uc.edu/hsl-popular
Print Page

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

© 2019 University of Cincinnati