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EDFN 5301 - Introduction to Research: Citation Management Tools

This course guide was created for Dr. Analisa Farah's EDFN 5301 class.

What are Citation Management Tools?

Citation Management Tools, or Citation Management Software, aim to make your research life easier. Using these tools, you can:

  • track your research
  • download citations and articles from a number of websites or databases
  • store and organize your citations
  • annotate articles
  • format citations to include within your paper
  • easily share your references with other researchers

Citation Management Tools typically have some or all of the following elements:

  • A web-accessible online version
  • A desktop version that is installed on your device
  • A browser extension to capture citations on the fly
  • A plug-in program that integrates with your word processing program (Microsoft Word or Google Docs, for example)
  • A generic file format export function for moving stored citations to another Citation Management Tool
  • Direct exports functions from Databases

Set up your Zotero account with your TAMUCC email and get the benefits of extra storage!  Download the Zotero desktop app, browser plug-in, and you can also access your account on Zotero.org!

Comparison Guides and More

Would you like to learn more about how different Citation Management Tools compare? Check out these links:

Writing Center

The CASA Writing Center can help with any type of writing at all stages of the writing process!

The Writing Center can help:

  • brainstorm ideas
  • outline your paper
  • organize your argument
  • use the clearest language possible
  • check your technical style (APA/MLA/Chicago)
  • identify and correct grammatical errors and look for patterns
  • revise your own paper
  • edit, format, and proofread your own paper

Visit their website for location, hours and contact information.

Citation Management Tools

There are many popular citation management tools. A few examples are:

  • Zotero (Free and open-source.  The library has an institutional account, so you get extra storage free. You can use a plug-in for your browser, access your account via online web access, and use the desktop app for more features and MS Word integration)
     
  • EndNote (Owned by Clarivate, As a student you can use the online version for free. It integrates with your Clarivate/Web of Science account)
     
  • Mendeley (Owned by Elsevier, you can access via TAMU-CC's login)
     
  • Refworks (Owned by Proquest.  As a student you have access from TAMU-CC, and it integrates with your ProQuest account)