Reference management software can be very useful if you need to use a lot of information sources for your research. This type of software allows you to:
The University of Alberta Library does not recommend or endorse any particular product, but we have gathered information on some of the most popular options for reference management software.
For a simple visual comparison of these three reference managers, use our decision tree. For a detailed comparison, use the table below. Software features change regularly, so if you find additional or conflicting information, feel free to contact us and we will try to incorporate the information.
Note: U of A access to RefWorks ended December 31, 2021.
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ACCESS AND COST COMPARISON | ||||
Product and Vendor | EndNote X9 Desktop (Clarivate) |
EndNote Basic (Clarivate) |
Mendeley (Elsevier) |
Zotero (open source) |
Where to get it | UAlberta IST OnTheHub | EndNote Online | Mendeley download | Zotero download |
Costs |
$140 via UAlberta OnTheHub (one-time cost) |
Free |
Free (cost to upgrade storage) |
Free (cost to upgrade storage) |
Operating system |
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Main access (web/cloud or desktop/laptop) |
Mainly single desktop/laptop. Can sync to cloud through Endnote Online/Basic. |
Web/cloud only |
Desktop/laptop and web/cloud. Can sync with multiple computers. |
Desktop/laptop and web/cloud. Can sync with multiple computers. |
Mobile version (phone, tablet) | Yes (iOS, not Android) | Yes (iOS, not Android) | No | Yes (iOS or 3rd party options) |
Registration/account required? | Only for cloud sync and collaborator sharing. Can use locally without an account. | Yes | Yes | Only for cloud sync and collaborator sharing. Can use locally without an account. |
Support options | Email, phone, or chat | DIY support only, via user forums | ||
Accessibility | ADA Compliance | ADA Compliance | Accessibility | Accessibility forum posts |
PROS / CONS | EndNote X9 | EndNote Basic | Mendeley | Zotero |
Best features |
Ability to store a large number of references and PDFs (10,000+); partially automated retrieval of full text (30-50% will be retrieved); deduplicates large numbers of references; increased citation accuracy due to large number of reference types; highly customizable; ability to work offline. |
Cloud-based, so option to work away from primary workstation. |
Free (up to 2GB of online storage); user-friendly interface; easy to add references; PDF annotation within the program; ability to work offline; connects with MS Word. |
Free (up to 300 MB online storage); open source; user-friendly interface; easy to add references; PDF annotation within the program; ability to work offline; connects with MS Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice. |
Possible drawbacks |
Price (~$140); license tied to one device; steeper learning curve than other options; importing non-traditional types of reference (e.g., webpages) can be challenging. |
Limited storage capacity; limited citation styles. |
Does not connect with Google Docs; limited storage space when sharing with groups; difficulty importing accurate metadata for some source types. |
Limited free cloud-based storage space; works best with one primary workstation. |
REFERENCE MANAGEMENT FEATURES | EndNote X9 | EndNote Basic | Mendeley | Zotero |
Storage (references and file attachments) | Unlimited | 50,000 references or 2GB | Unlimited on local computer, 2GB in cloud (can pay to upgrade) | Unlimited on local computer, 300MB in cloud (can pay to upgrade) |
Reference import methods |
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Browser import |
Capture Reference Tool
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Capture Reference Tool
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Mendeley Web Importer
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Zotero Connector
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Duplicate record detection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Yes |
Customizable metadata fields | Yes | No, but can add notes | No, but can use tags and add notes | No, but can use tags and add notes |
Search within own records | Simple and advanced | Simple search only | Simple and advanced | Simple and advanced |
Search external catalogues or databases | Yes (7000+) | Yes (5) | Yes (in online version), details are unclear | No |
Annotate PDFs | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Collaboration tools | Share full library | Share folders | Groups for sharing ideas and references. Private groups only. | Share folders. All collaborators must have Zotero account. |
Export records | Yes, but doesn't transfer attachments | Yes, but doesn't transfer attachments | Yes, in desktop version, but doesn't transfer attachments | Yes, but doesn't transfer attachments |
CITATION GENERATION FEATURES | EndNote X9 | EndNote Basic | Mendeley | Zotero |
Word processor integration (e.g. MS Word, Google Docs) |
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Number of citation styles | 7,000+ predefined | Top 21 most commonly used styles | 9000+ pre-defined | 9000+ pre-defined |
Custom style editing | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |