Reference management

Reference management typically refers to software that enables users to store, manage and utilise references and documents while writing academic texts. In reference management software, references and citations are organised in a database (project, collection, library). The data can then be used to generate bibliographies for academic books and articles, for example. The software can be integrated into word processing programmes, so that literature references can be inserted into the text and the bibliography can be compiled in the preferred bibliographic format during the writing process.

The University Library of Rostock regularly offers basic introductory courses on the reference management software Citavi, EndNote and Zotero. Unless otherwise announced, these 90-minute workshops with a practical part are usually held once a month in the computer lab of the Campus Library Südstadt and are open to anyone interested. Participation is possible without prior registration or prior knowledge.

Reference management software typically offers the same basic functions: the collection, organisation and citation of various online and offline references. However, there are some differences in the extent to which these functions are performed. In addition, some programmes offer extra features. Furthermore, the programmes may differ in terms of technical requirements, licensing conditions and performance. You can find detailed information on the reference management programmes Citavi, EndNote and Zotero on our web pages on academic work: