The Library: Reference management

The reference management tools supported at Leeds Beckett are Zotero and Endnote. These tools help you collect and organise your references and cite them in multiple styles in word processors. This guide will show you how to install the software and build your library. All tools work across different platforms, and each web importer works on most browsers, however it is advised that you check the websites to confirm yours are supported.

Choosing a reference management tool is a decision based on personal preference of specific features, or a need to use the same tool as colleagues. Below are some features of potential interest to different students:

• Zotero is Open Source, with no financial interests in your usage. Endnote is owned by large publishing companies and is subject to product development which can result in changes to / loss of features.  
• Both products work with Harvard and APA. Zotero is the better product to use with OSCOLA. 
• Endnote and Zotero allow for font size changes in the application. 
• Zotero allows you to make folders, and add searchable notes and tags to help you organise your collection, Endnote only uses folders and groups. It is important to consider the best way to use these organisational features before applying too many. 
• Zotero takes a snapshot image of web pages, Endnote does not. 
• 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’, so any time you save a new pdf file to that location it will upload it to your library. 
• Endnote and Zotero both allow collaboration.
• Endnote works on Word Online and Google Docs.
• Zotero works on Google Docs, but does not work on Word Online - you can edit a document with Zotero citations already in it in Word Online and then go back to working with it in the desktop version of Word with Zotero later, but you cannot make any changes to Zotero citations or bibliographies from within Word Online itself.

If you are still unsure which tool is best for you, we suggest Zotero as the most straightforward. If you want to change to another tool at any time, you can export your library. If you need further advice please contact your Academic Librarian.

If you have a Mac staff device and are experiencing issues with Zotero please contact your Library Team.

Changing Reference Manager

To easily move from Mendeley to Zotero follow these instructions. If you have any concerns please contact your Academic Librarian first.

To easily move from Endnote to Zotero follow these instructions. If you have any concerns please contact your Academic Librarian first.

• Endnote Download Form Please complete this form to install EndNote.
• Endnote Desktop Guide 

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.