Reference Citation Management Software
By David Piro
Before we begin our discussion, comparing and contrasting reference citation management software, I would first like to define what the role this software should perform. That is, define what actions should be executable. Like most content management systems, there should be a hierarchy of roles/credentials that can access either a webpage, software application, or both. Doing so will allow entry into the system and then, the action to retrieve references should be made available somehow, like a Google Chrome extension. Using this tool will then allow the citation to be stored into the CMS and organized in a methodical way based on leading standards like MLA, or APA formatting. Finally, the management of these items is to be used with word-processing software to insert properly formatted footnotes or citations into a paper and create a bibliography.
For the basis of this discussion, I would like to compare the two reference citation management systems, Endnote and Zotero. Zotero is partially web-based, making it user friendly for easy access and ease of use. Surprisingly, the cost of Zotero starts with a free plan, adding on additional features as the cost increases. For instance, integration with Word processing like MS word may not be included with the free version. One noticeable difference is that Zotero works with Google Docs and Endnote does not, despite Google Docs becoming a major competitor as it has free options compared to Microsoft Word. Further, Endnote does not offer Mobile Device Application support for iOS and Android, while Endnote does. On the other hand, Endnote allows highlighting and annotate PDF files, a very useful tool in Academia. Unfortunately, Endnote is not web-based and that means that transferring citations would be necessary to the endnote library for cross-platform sharing. Both programs, do offer customizations for your references and sharing with teams.
As our research and discussion come to an end, I would have to make the argument that believe Zotero to be the better option for my doctoral journey. Let me make clear, that both applications are able to meet the needs for sourcing literature, but Zotero may have more uses. For example, by being cross-compatible with integration to a web-based database, the overall workload is lessened as compared to Endnote which is one less database for me to update. Also, because I am in Computer Science, Zotero may have more use with the iPhone or Android application in my research where using a mobile citation may be needed.
I do believe this software – reference citation management software to be of value for scholarly writing because of several reasons. For one, the software allows correct and consistent citations to take place. Two, the software will allow organization and storage for accessibility for all future works. Last, the use of this software has allowed research to quicken as teamwork and collaboration are now more incorporated than in prior history.
References:
EndNote. (2020). Product Details. Retrieved August 11, 2020, from https://endnote.com/product-details/
Mercer, G. (1993). Reference management software:...and they do. BMJ : British Medical Journal, 307(6903), 569. doi:https://dx.doi.org.proxy.cecybrary.com/10.1136/bmj.307.6903.569-b