Good morning, readers!
I’ve been asked several times during my tenure here at Harvard about citation management software. Last September, I wrote a post about the topic, outlining EndNote, RefWorks, and Zotero.
Recently, while attending a training session on EndNote, I learned that a new iSite is now available, Using RefWorks, EndNote, and Other Citation Tools. Here, you can link to comparisons of the three software packages, learn about their strengths, weaknesses, and use, and where to go for additional training.
This is a very useful site, especially for those who are writing long papers, books, or theses. You can link to the site via the link above. Additionally, I’ve placed a link on the Department of Philosophy Writing Resources page.
Please let me know if you have any questions about these tools. They really can become a life-saver, especially if you have a large number of citations and references to keep track of, and to format for publication or for thesis submission.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
I’m not impressed by the new iSites page! It has a number of inaccuracies about the technical capabilities of (free, open source) Zotero and completely undersells it (for one thing, by ignoring its rapid development of important new features). By contrast, the writeup on Endnote looks like pure marketing. It appears to have been written by someone with an interest in defending Harvard’s poor and expensive site-licensing decisions.
For some reasons to think Zotero is the best of the bunch, see here:
http://www.dancohen.org/2008/07/09/zotero-15-sync-preview-and-much-more/
August 18th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Hi Simon,
I don’t doubt what you’ve written. Honestly, I haven’t had a chance to go through the site with a fine-toothed comb yet, so thank you for pointing out these issues. I’m not sure why there is such resistance to Zotero at this point.
My own two cents: Zotero is the best of the bunch. EndNote isn’t bad, but it’s not as good as Zotero — much more finicky and crotchety. RefWorks I have found to be nearly impossible to use.
So, the upshot is: caveat emptor! Make sure you know what product you’re using, and don’t be afraid to try a new piece of software. Also, if you need help — ask! (Hint, hint, wink, wink, nudge, nudge.)