Cite Your Sources
Compare Citation Managers
This chart helps you compare software applications that allow you to:
- collect and organize your research
- format citations for written assignments
- share sources with group members or professors
| EndNote (Desktop) | EndNote Web | NoodleBib | Zotero | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Citation management software that that helps you collect, store, organize, and cite research sources | A web-based service that helps you collect, organize, share, and cite research sources | A web-based service that walks you through the process of correctly formatting citations | A Firefox extension that helps you collect, manage, cite and share research sources |
| Version referenced: | X3 | n/a | n/a | 2.0 |
| Best used for: | Large research projects (like writing a thesis or book) written using your own computer with EndNote installed | Smaller research projects, and when internet access is more reliable than access to a specific computer | Short undergraduate research papers with fewer than 10 resources | Small or large research projects where simplicity and access to the web are essential |
| How much does it cost? | $79 for downloadable student license from UT Campus Computer Store | Free for UT students (university-wide license) | Free for UT students (university-wide license) | Free for everyone from zotero.org |
| UT Libraries classes offered? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Works on Mac and PC? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Where can I use it? | On a computer with EndNote installed | Anywhere with Internet access | Anywhere with Internet access | On a Firefox web browser with Zotero installed |
| Allows collaboration or sharing? | Yes, through included EndNote Web account | Yes - create groups to share lists |
Yes – share lists with classmates and instructors |
Yes - you can share libraries online and set up groups to collaborate |
| What happens after I leave UT? | Nothing changes - you own the software | No access once you graduate unless you buy Endnote desktop and transfer your library to that software | No access once you graduate, and no easy way to transfer lists | Nothing changes - Zotero is free for everyone |
| Works with Word or other word processors? | Yes - Create in-text citations and bibliographies automatically with Cite While You Write plug-in for Word | Yes - Create in-text citations and bibliographies automatically with Cite While You Write plug-in for Word | Save bibliographies as Word docs, but no in-text citation functionality | Yes - Download plugins for Word and OpenOffice to automatically create in-text citations and bibliographies |
| Unique Features | Options to define a custom citation style | Add a toolbar in Firefox to save online references directly into your library | Notecard function helps organize notes | Lives in your browser, so it's always easily accessible |
| Can you work off-line? | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Can you import citations from databases? | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
