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EndNote 20

Guide to using EndNote reference management software

Tagging your references

When managing a very large library, you might find keywords useful as a way to organise the library and as an alternative to using Groups. You can build up a set of personal keywords gradually or you can create a set in advance. 

To add a personal keyword:

  • Highlight the record to which you want to add a keyword.
  • In the right-hand panel, choose the Edit tab and scroll down to the Keywords field.
  • Type in your new personal keyword, remembering to use a unique prefix - see the Tip box.
  • Click the Save button at the top of the screen.

As you add keywords, the keyword index is automatically populated with a list of your chosen keywords.

  • The next time you wish to add the same keyword to a record, simply type your unique keyword prefix and a list of your personal keywords pops up.
  • Choose the one you want to use from the list.
  • Click the Save button at the top of the screen.

To create keywords in advance: 

  • From the Library menu choose Define Terms Lists.
  • In the pop-up menu click the Lists tab and select Keywords.
  • In the Terms tab, you will see a list of the keywords already in use, including those that were automatically imported from databases.
  • Click New Term and type in your chosen personal keyword, remembering to use a unique prefix - see Tip box.
  • Click OK to save the new keyword.

Searching for records in your library that contain your keyword:

  • Click the All References folder at the top of the left-hand panel.
  • Use the Search panel to search for your chosen keyword (select the Keywords field from the first drop-down menu).
  • Click Search and your results will be displayed in the central results panel.

If you wish to add the same keyword to a group of items, follow instructions on how to make changes to many references at once.