Why use a reference management tool
A reference management tool helps you:
- Gather references from various sources: from Oria, Google Scholar, databases and websites
- Share references and collaborate with others
- Bring references into your writing program, so that the in-text citations and the reference list are correct
- Save time and prevent errors
The tools work with Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice.
You can import from one tool to another if you later wish to switch.
Which tool should you choose
Click on a tool for installation, requirements and what it is best suited for.
Zotero – suits most people
Zotero can be used on Windows, Mac and Linux and in a web version. It works with Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice. You can use your Zotero library on several devices.
Zotero lets you easily import references and full text from your browser or in the mobile app. You can edit references and add your own comments. You can also share references and write together with others.
In your writing program you can insert the references you need, verbatim quotations or your own notes directly from Zotero.
Getting started:
- Download Zotero with the Zotero Connector
- Create an account to synchronize between devices
- Click the Zotero icon (Zotero Connector) in your browser when you are on an article, web page or book page. The reference is saved automatically
The University Library offers courses in Zotero. See Courses and guidance.
EndNote – UiB licence
All students and staff at UiB have free access to EndNote, one of the most widely used reference management tools in international research communities.
How to install:
1. Log in to UiB Help with your UiB username
2. Search for "EndNote" and download the installation file
3. Activate with the UiB licence key (shown in UiB Help)
The licence applies on both work and private computers. EndNote Online (web version) is available without installation.
Choose EndNote if you work in a research community where it is already established, research communities with large reference libraries (more than ~5,000 references), systematic reviews, or journals with specific style requirements.
The University Library offers courses in EndNote. See Courses and guidance.
Mendeley
Mendeley is free and combines reference management with an academic social network. It is owned by Elsevier.
Download from Mendeley. An account is required for synchronization and network use.
Suitable for: Users who want to share references and read PDFs with annotation.
Citation styles
The choice of citation style depends on the academic tradition. The most common styles at UiB:
- APA 7: social sciences, psychology, education
- Vancouver: medicine and dentistry
- Chicago author-date: humanities (partly)
- Chicago notes-bibliography: humanities, history
- MLA: literary studies, English
- Harvard: used across many subjects
Check the resources page for your subject under Use the library for the recommended style for your field, or ask at the desk at your faculty library. See Opening hours and contact.
See Search & Write for more on citation and academic writing.