Reference management software enables you to:
Some packages also have further features:
Reference management software packges (also known as reference / citation managers) are web-based. Some packages also have a desktop version that allows more functionality.
UCL Library Services supports the use of three software packages: EndNote, Mendeley, and, Zotero. Information about how to access these packages is below but please contact your local trust IT support for any installation queries.
GOSH has a licence for EndNote Desktop that allows staff to install EndNote on a GOSH computer or on a personal computer.
The Joint Library of Ophthalmology has purchased an EndNote licence for MEH Staff. The licence allows staff to install EndNote Desktop on personal computers. We provide access on the basis of your current needs. Please email the Joint Library of Ophthalmology outlining your need to use EndNote at this time and the specific projects you are undertaking now.
To use EndNote Desktop, NHS staff who work at Trusts affiliated to UCL, other than Great Ormond Street Hospital or Moorfields Eye Hospital need to purchase an EndNote licence or use EndNote online.
NHS staff who register with UCL libraries can access an enhanced version of EndNote Online as part of the UCL licence. To do this:
Mendeley is made up of two elements:
Your Mendeley library can be synchronised across platforms, so you can access your Mendeley library from any device. With the free version you have 2GB of personal storage space. It is possible to pay for a premium plan which gives you more storage space. Please note that Mendeley is not accessible to screen readers. If you use a screen reader you might prefer to use EndNote or Zotero instead.
Please refer to our Mendeley guide for information about how to use the desktop version and the web version.
Mendeley are developing new services, Mendeley Reference Manager and Mendeley Cite. UCL Library Services will be supporting these new tools when they have been fully developed. In the meantime, Mendeley have provided guidance:
Zotero is free, open-source software. You can set up Zotero to automatically download updates in your 'Setting Preferences'. The free version offers 300MB of personal storage space but it is possible to pay for a premium plan which gives more storage space.
There are several iterations of Zotero:
UCL Library Services has a wealth of expertise in using reference management software, and provides extensive support through training sessions and short troubleshooting sessions.