Reference management

Efficient academic work plays a key role in both study and research. Reference management software is a useful tool that assists with the process of academic writing. Its main features and strengths are:

• Effective organisation of literature and knowledge: Reference management software can be used to compile references (books, articles, websites, etc.), organise them systematically and create content-based indexes.
• Time-saving during research: Reference data can be imported directly into the programmes from library search engines (e.g. Discovery) or databases (e.g. Web of Science).
• Central document management: PDF files can be easily saved, evaluated and annotated directly within the programmes.
• Automatic referencing: These programmes will insert references or quotations directly into your text. A correctly formatted bibliography is generated automatically.
• Consistent citation style: Thanks to the program all references can be output in the preferred citation style (e.g. APA, MLA, CMS, etc.).

The University Library of Rostock regularly offers basic introductory courses on the reference management software Citavi, EndNote and Zotero. Unless otherwise stated, these 90-minute sessions – which include a practical part – are generally held once a month in the computer lab of the Campus Library Südstadt and are open to anyone interested. No registration or prior knowledge is needed to participate.