Comparing Citation Tools: what to consider
- How do you gather references?
- Do you have a bunch of PDFs on your computer that need organizing?
- Do you need to sync references and PDFs across different devices?
- What types of materials will you be working with, generally?
- What databases will you be using?
- Do you work in languages other than English?
- How much patience and skill do you have for troubleshooting technical issues?
- How much money are you willing/able to spend?
- Are you working with collaborators?
- Do you want your research to lead you to other researchers with similar interests?
- Is this tool something you picture yourself using beyond your time at Harvard?
Commonalities of Recommended Citation Tools
The best citation tools should have the following features:
- searchable storage of references
- searchable notes
- ability to create in-text citations, footnotes, and bibliographies
- ability to share references with others
- ability to store, search, and annotate PDFs
- ability to transfer citation library to another citation tool
- ability to find and remove duplicate references
One-time citation-maker websites such as Easybib don't offer these features. They are better to use to create a few quick citations that you won't need to use again in the future.
Citation Tools Comparison Chart
|
Sciwheel |
EndNote |
Zotero |
|
|
Storage Space |
Unlimited with Harvard subscription |
Unlimited with EndNote X8 and above |
Unlimited with Harvard email address |
|
Cost |
Free with Harvard subscription |
Student pricing; free FAS download (free 30-day trial options) |
Free |
|
Cloud/Desktop |
Cloud |
Both |
Both |
|
Technical Support |
Technical support available |
Excellent professional technical support |
Good user community technical support |
|
Strengths |
Supports entire science writing process, not just saving & organizing of references |
Very robust; good search and storage capability; direct export option within library databases; works very well with PubMed |
One-click import for metadata and PDFs; tagging capabilities |
|
After Harvard |
$6.99/month |
$200+ post-graduation if not already purchased as a student |
Free - 300 MB storage (or more for a price) |
|
Other Considerations |
Can use to discover other papers in life sciences |
Steeper learning curve; many customization features |
Open source; not good for bulk downloads |
|
Word-processing Options |
MS Word; Google Docs; Manuscripts for Mac |
CWYW works with MS Word; Format Paper works with Pages, Nissus, WordPad, and others |
Plug-ins that work with MS Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs |
|
Mobile Options |
iPad, iPhone, and Android apps |
iPad & iPhone app |
Multiple options: see Zotero's page on mobile options, as well as their iOS app |
|
Sharing capabilities |
Multiple shared projects with up to 150 people |
Can share 1 library with up to 100 people |
Multiple public or private group libraries with unlimited members |