Bibliographic management software is used for two main purposes:
In general, the software allows the user to gather reference information from online databases, organize the reference information in a personal database, and then use the reference information while writing a paper. Reference information can be pulled or pushed from various databases such as EBSCOhost CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus. For the user, this means less typing and a more accurate citation. It also ensures that the information you are citing is associated with the right reference. In addition, the journal article can often be attached to the reference record for reading on-demand.
Writing the paper is made easier because the software creates the in-text citations and a list of references at the end of the paper. The utility of bibliographic management software is that is does all the work of arranging and formatting the citations in the proper citing style. Common citation styles are APA, Chicago, JAMA, MLA, and Vancouver.
The University of Utah has a site license for EndNote desktop software. The software is available for Windows or Mac for a yearly fee. EndNote, the web-based product can be used with or without the desktop software and is available for all University affiliates for no fee. Start by setting up a free account.
Need help using the software or online tool? Contact your local University Librarian.
One of the best ways to avoid plagiarism is to cite your sources, and cite them correctly.
