A citation manager stores all your citations in a searchable database so that you can:
The Libraries support EndNote in the desktop and online versions. See the chart below for the features of each.
| EndNote desktop | EndNote Basic | Zotero | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Program | A software program that you need to download on your computer or use in the computer labs. | A web-based application accessible on any computer, anywhere. | A software program with a web-based application accessible on any computer, anywhere. |
| How to Get It | Williams has a site license to this software, available through OIT's software download page. | Anyone can create an account. If you create your online account through the desktop version, you will get more storage for references and attachments. | Open source. Anyone can download the program and use it for free. |
| Getting Started |
Using EndNote Handout (includes Williams-specific info) How To Use EndNote in 6 Minutes (Mac) (YouTube) How To Use EndNote in 6 Minutes (PC) (YouTube) How to Create an Annotated Style (Google Doc) |
Using EndNote Basic/Online (YouTube playlist) | Getting Started with Zotero (quick start guide) |
| Functionality | Advanced functionality appropriate for sustained research projects such as theses. Can share references and PDFs with up to 100 collaborators. See EndNote website for full functionality comparison. | Basic functionality. Can share references but not PDFs. | Advanced functionality appropriate for sustained research projects such as theses. Can create group libraries to share references and PDFs with collaborators. |
| Updates | As with any desktop software program, you will need to check for updates to the program, filters, and styles. | Updates are done automatically. | Updates are done automatically. |
| Word Processor Integration |
Cite While You Write plug-in is added to Word when you download EndNote. Appears as a tab or toolbar in Word. If it does not appear, see EndNote support page. Don't have Word? Download it through OIT. For Google Docs, see help guide from Bates College. |
Need to download the Cite While You Write plug-in on the computer you are using. Appears as a tab or toolbar in Word. | Automatically integrates with Word and Google Docs accounts. Appears in the toolbars. |
| Changing Your Mind | Can export references in a variety of formats to be imported into other citation management tools. | Can export references in a variety of formats to be imported into other citation management tools. | Can export references in a variety of formats to be imported into other citation management tools. |
It is your responsibility to know what elements and punctuation are required for your citation style and determine whether the citation tool has generated the citation correctly.
The following free tools are also available, but the library does not provide support for them.