Citation tools can be useful for anyone doing research. Citation tools allow you to create bibliographies quickly and automatically format in-text citations with word processing software (Word, Google Docs, Open Office).
These tools help generate citations using URLs, DOIs, or your Google Scholar search results. These are good for citing a few items very quickly.
More in-depth citation tools, sometimes called reference management tools, can also help manage your references for big or long-term research projects by helping you:
JMU researchers generally use one of three:
Please look at the comparison table to the right to decide which is best for you. One thing to keep in mind is that you can switch from one reference management tool to another. You can export your citations, but transferring tags or folders will be difficult.
More extensive comparisons and other reference management tools can be found at:
|
RefWorks |
Zotero |
Mendeley |
---|---|---|---|
Web-based or desktop |
Web-based |
Desktop |
Desktop |
Save to widget |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Direct export option from JMU Catalog & some databases |
Yes |
No |
No |
Works with Microsoft Word |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Works with Google Docs |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Annotate PDFs in program |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Collaboration features |
Share folders |
Create groups to share sources |
Create 1 group with up to 3 members |
Cost |
Free (with JMU email) |
Free: 300MB
Billed annually: 2GB $20 6GB $60 Unlimited $120 |
Free: 2GB
Billed monthly: 5GB $4.99 10GB $9.99 Unlimited $14.99 |