Citation Managers are software applications that allow you to:
Use the chart below to choose the correct application for you:
NoodleTools | EndNote (Desktop) | EndNote Basic | Zotero | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Description |
Web-based service that walks you through the process of formatting citations |
Citation management software that helps you collect, store, organize and cite sources |
Web-based service that helps you collect, organize, share and cite sources |
Web-based tool and standalone software that helps you collect, organize, share and cite sources |
Best for | Short undergraduate research papers with fewer than 10 sources | Large research projects (thesis, book) written using your own computer | Smaller research projects, and when internet access is more reliable than access to a specific computer | Small or large research projects |
Cost | Free for UT students | Purchase a downloadable student license from UT Campus Computer Store | Free for everyone | Free for everyone |
Sharing | Yes - share lists with classmates and instructors | Yes - through included Endnote Web account | Yes - create groups to share lists | Yes - set up groups, share libraries |
Mac/PC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Download software? Work offline? |
No No |
Yes Yes |
Yes No |
Yes No |
Integration with word processors? | Save bibliographies as Word docs but no in-text citation functionality | Yes - create in-text citations and bibliographies with Cite While You Write plug-in for Word | Yes - create in-text citations and bibliographies with Cite While You Write plug-in for Word | Yes - download plugins for Word and OpenOffice to create in-text citations and bibliographies |
Import citations from databases? | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Unique features | Note card function helps organize notes | Options to define custom citation style | Add a toolbar in Firefox to save online references directly into your library | Easy to add sources from the Web; only major open source option |
If you're graduating/leaving UT | No access after graduation, no easy way to transfer lists | Nothing changes - you own the software | Nothing changes - free for everyone | Nothing changes - free for everyone |
Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources.
Create and manage citations of books, articles, videos, etc.
Import citations from databases, the Web, and the UT Libraries Catalog
Add searchable notes and tags to citations; attach and annotate pdf's
Quickly create a bibliography in multiple formats (MLA, Chicago, APA, etc.)
Automatically manage in-text citations
Easily share references with others
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