The Library: Reference management

The recommended Referencing and Citation Management (RCM) tool at LBU is Zotero. It helps you to collect and organise your references and cite them in multiple styles. Our guides show you how to install it, and build your library. It works across a range of devices, operating systems and web browsers.

Feature Comparison

While we recommend Zotero, choosing an RCM tool is a decision based on personal preference, or a need to use the same tool as colleagues. A broad comparison of features is below:

• Zotero is Open Source and collaboratively developed for and on behalf of the global education community, in response to user feedback. LBU is moving away from using Endnote. 
• Both Zotero and Endnote work with Harvard and APA. Zotero is the better product to use with OSCOLA. 
• Zotero allows you to make folders, add searchable notes and tags, and organise your collection, Endnote only uses folders and groups. Consider the best way to use these features before applying too many. 
• Zotero takes a snapshot image of web pages, Endnote doesn't. 
• Zotero and Endnote have built-in PDF viewers with highlight and sticky-notes options, which are searchable.
• Endnote allows you to create a ‘Watch Folder’. When you save a PDF file to the Watch Folder, it will upload to your library. 
• Endnote and Zotero both allow collaboration.
• Endnote works on Word Online and Google Docs (note LBU is moving away from providing LBU Google Apps).
• Zotero works on Google Docs, but (currently) not Word Online. You can edit documents containing Zotero citations in Word Online and return to the desktop version of Word with Zotero later, but you cannot make changes to Zotero citations or bibliographies in Word Online.

If you're unsure which RCM tool to use, we strongly recommend Zotero as the most straightforward. If you want to change to another tool, you can export your library. If you need further advice please contact your Academic Librarian.

Install and use Zotero

Our Get started with Zotero guide takes you through installation / getting access to Zotero. Please follow this guide carefully to ensure you choose the appropriate method for your device, operating system and browser.

Daily appointments are usually available (weekdays only) where you can get more help with Harvard or OSCOLA (Law) or APA (Psychology) referencing. Click on Get Help below to book an appointment, or you can ask via the Library's Contact Us page.