Using a Reference Manager

A reference manager is a piece of software that performs for you many of the chores that you need to do manually, even with a template. Some of the tasks that it performs are:

• Allowing you to automatically download and store in the manager references from an electronic bibliography, as well as many online journals. This assures that your reference is accurate as well as saving much time.
• Automatically inserting a code for the reference in the manuscript as you write.
• After you have finished the paper, creates the reference list for you as well as replacing the codes in the text of the manuscript with the appropriate citation format.
• Uses the style that you need for that paper, that is, APA, AMA, or many other styles to create the citation and the reference list.
• Allows you to change the style if you need to. That is, a paper written originally in APA format, can be easily converted to the AMA style.
• Makes editing easy.
• Assures that your reference list and citation are as correct as the data for the reference in the software package - which is why downloading from an electronic source assures accuracy.
• Preserves all references for future use.

 

Many of these software packages offer discounts for those involved in school, or who are faculty. Before purchasing, check with your librarian to see which one they support. Once you get it, devote 2 to 3 hours to becoming familiar with it. The time will be returned to you many times over - and will keep your references accurate! Two of the most popular are:

End Note and Reference Manager. There are free ones available, but generally you get what you pay for and they many not offer all the tools listed above. The Website at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_reference_management_software compares many of these.

Wikipedia offers a comparison of many reference managers.

Created November 10, 2011