Reference management tools

Tools to help you integrate and manage references and bibliographies.

EndNote, Mendeley and Zotero are just some of the tools used for managing references and bibliographies. RMIT students and staff can download EndNote Desktop for free through the University site licensing arrangement.

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Not sure which reference manager to choose? We can help!

Our online module will let you explore the features of Endnote, Zotero and Mendeley, making it easier to decide which reference manager would best meet your needs.

System and support comparison

EndNote Zotero Mendeley
Free for RMIT staff and students Free Free
Operating systems: Windows and Mac OS Operating systems: Windows and Mac OS Operating systems: Windows and Mac OS
Compatible with MS Word, OpenOffice, LibreOffice, Google Docs, Apple Pages Compatible with MS Word, OpenOffice, LibreOffice, Google Docs Compatible with MS Word, OpenOffice, LibreOffice, LaTeX
Mobile app for iOS only Mobile apps for iOS and Android No mobile apps
Desktop and EndNote Online Web-based Web-based
Unlimited storage (2 GB for EndNote Online) Free 300 MB 100 GB (institutional edition)
Supports RMIT Harvard style Supports RMIT Harvard style Supports RMIT Harvard style
Library support Limited library support Limited library support
Community support network Community support network Community support network

Feature and functionality comparison

EndNote Zotero Mendeley
Can import from databases Can import from databases Can import from databases
Import citations from web pages (EndNote Online only) Import citations from web pages (also archive page) Import citations from web pages
Extract citations from PDFs Extract citations from PDFs Extract citations from PDFs
Add tags to references Add tags to references Add tags to references
Transfer a library between applications Transfer a library between applications Transfer a library between applications (desktop only)
Full-text searching across PDFs Full-text searching across PDFs Full-text searching across PDFs (disabled by default)
Organise PDFs and other documents Organise PDFs and other documents (storage limits) Organise PDFs and other documents
Annotate and highlight PDFs Annotate and highlight PDFs Annotate and highlight PDFs
No selective syncing of documents Selective syncing of documents Selective syncing of documents
Private groups only Private and public groups Private groups only
Other features: Insert figures and charts with word processor integration Other features: Sync library with multiple computers, use tags to organise and search Other features: Sync with library from multiple computers

EndNote, Mendeley and Zotero make it easy to change to another reference manager. Please note: while citations will be copied, PDFs of articles may not be exported.

Reference generators

Are you working on a short assignment that will need a few references only? Then try using one of the free online reference generators instead of the a reference manaager, such as EndNote.

Why use online referencing generators:

  • Can format references in most popular styles
  • Let you copy and paste the references into your bibliography or reference list
  • You can use them in a browser.

If you decide to try one of these tools for your RMIT assignment, remember:

  • Use them for APA, Vancouver, MLA and Oxford styles only. RMIT has its own version of the Harvard style, so for this style it is safer to use our Easy Cite.
  • They can generate full references, but most can't help you with in-text citations.
  • They lack advanced features available in EndNote and other bibliographic management tools.
  • You might not be able to download bibliographic records from LibrarySearch and the databases. If this option is available, you will need to check the records for any errors that need correcting.
  • Don't submit your assignment without reviewing the references first. Online generators are error-prone, so always check the list of references they produce.

Here are some examples of reference generators:

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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