EndNote and Zotero: Citation Managers
EndNote
EndNote is a reference management application that academic writers can use to streamline and simplify the research and writing process. You can export citation information to EndNote from online searches, attach PDF files to the citations in your library, then save time by creating an automatic bibliography in Word from your EndNote library.
Access and install EndNote by selecting the Download option from the KU EndNote page
Graduate students, faculty, retired faculty and staff can download EndNote at no cost through KU’s Web store to use on KU-owned and personal computers. NOTE: The installation requires administrator rights on your machine. If you do not have administrator rights, you will need to contact your technical support to install this software.
Zotero
Zotero is an application that helps you collect and store your citation information for later use in papers and bibliographies. You can link to or attach PDF files to your citations then use Zotero's Word plug-in for one-click in-text citations as you write. When you're finished, another click installs your completed bibliography.
Download Zotero for Firefox. Click the red Download Now box and choose Zotero for Firefox.
When the installation is complete, you will be automatically re-directed to Zotero’s Success! page. Go ahead and create an account (it’s free!) so you can access your library from any browser. Follow the e-mail verification and instructions to sync your account.
Finally, download the Word plugin
Compare Citation Managers
| EndNote | Zotero | |
|---|---|---|
| How is it accessed? | Full – Your computer Basic – EndNote Web |
Full – Your computer Basic – Zotero Web |
| Can I attach articles to my references? | Yes | Yes |
| Who can have it? | Free to KU graduate students, faculty, staff. Undergrad access via Virtual Lab. | Browser add-on is free to anyone but there are storage limitations. |
| Collaboration options | Share a library and PDF files with up to 14 other users | Online sharing for PDF files and links. Links may require library password. |
| Does it collect web page information? | Yes | Yes |
| In-document citation and automatic bibliography? | Yes | Yes. Current version has minor bug that is easily bypassed. |
| Can I import my current library? | Import PDF files, folders and MS Word citations | Drag and drop files and folders |
| Free Online Storage (with attachments) | 5 GB (13,000+ papers) | 300 MB (700+ papers) More space is inexpensive. |
| Output Styles | Over 6,000; easily edited | Nearly 8,000; not as easily edited |
| Transferability | Collection can be transferred to Zotero | Collection can be transferred to EndNote |
