Why use citation management software?
References management software, client-based or web-based, offers similar functions.
- managing all of your interested references in one place
- creating required format references list from these references
- providing you "cite while write" (or "write while cite") function
Some (e.g. Endnote and Endnote on the web) can attach full-text of the aritcles within, others can't.
Some provide shared-references function in order to support collabration among authors.
You can choose whatever reference software you want to use, either buy it, or use free one: RefWorks from USC Libraries, Endnote Online, Zotero, BibTex.
When getting yourself familiarized with reference software, please make sure
- begin early and choose one that is suitable to your information needs
- master the procedures of importing interested citations to your software, creating in-text citations and reference lists, and any other reason why you want to use a references management software
- download all added-in software if there is any
- Always proof-read your references because they are produced by machines, e.g. check publishers' guidelines, check USC dissertations' reference requirements
- Refworks This link opens in a new windowRefWorks is a Web-based bibliography and database manager that allows users to create their own personal database by importing references from text files or online databases. Researchers can use these references in writing their papers and automatically format the paper and the bibliography in seconds.
First time users can create an account on refworks.proquest.com and select the “Create Account” link and use your USC email to start the account.
- EndNote DesktopThis software is available through the USC Bookstore. Individual academic licenses are $79 each.
- Papers$79 for a personal license