There are a number of choices, but the main commercial software packages are EndNote, ProCite, Reference Manager, and RefWorks. There are also some less expensive choices that might work for you, depending on your situation.
As you are exploring the web pages and specifications of the software packages, consider these questions:
- What bibliographic software do colleagues in your field use?
- Do you use a Mac or a PC? Some packages are not available for Macs.
- Do you usually use the same computer, or do you use many different computers to do your research writing? Some packages are web-based (Refworks and Biblioscape) which easily facilitates the use of multiple computers.
- What kind of software support is available? There are EndNote instruction and classes offered at OSU by Alison Bobal, OSU Librarian, but OSU does not offer any other software support.
- Is there a university discount? EndNote is the only package available at an educational discount at OSU.
- How big of a database do you need? Some allow more individual records than others.
- Do you want to store images? Some packages offer this capability, for example EndNote 10.
- Is there a demo version? Try it out first to see if you like it.
EndNote
EndNote is available at a reduced rate for OSU students, staff, and faculty. There is a guide to using EndNote at OSU.
Free access to EndNoteWeb is available if you "register for more features" through OSU Libraries subscription to Web of Science. This service is available to you only as long as you are a student, staff or faculty of OSU, whereas if you buy the software, you take it with you.
