Referencing

What is a reference management tool?

A reference management tool is a piece of software that enables you to harvest and organise references in one place. Examples include RefWorks, Mendeley, MyBib and Zotero.

The tool also enables you to easily integrate and organise your references within documents, such as an assessment.

When you are using NELSON and specialist library databases you will often see the option to export individual references (also known as citations) to your preferred reference management tool. 

You do not have to use a reference management tool, but some students and staff find it helps them gather references quickly and then incorporate them easily into their work.

What reference management tool should I use?

You can try different reference management tools to find what suits you. Examples include:

• RefWorks - the university subscribes to RefWorks on your behalf.  This means that you do not have to create a profile and you can login with your University of Northampton login. However, it does mean that when you leave the University of Northampton you will need to remember to export your references if you wish to keep them.  The library team have provided guidance on using RefWorks.

• Zotero - developed by a non-profit organisation called Digital Scholar.  You can register for a free account.* Zotero Privacy Policy.

• Mendeley - developed by Elsevier.  You can register for a free account.* Elsevier Privacy Policy.

• MyBib - developed by the GitHub Community. You can register for a free account.* MyBib Privacy Policy.

*Please be mindful that in signing up to free tools you will be required to put in some of your personal details. The library recommends that you read the privacy policy on how the organisation or company will handle your data before signing up.

If you are interested in finding out more about reference management tools, you can book a tutorial with one of the Academic Librarians.