Reference management software allows you to store the references you find in one place in your own database. Organize your references by topic or purpose into folders or groups that you can share with other users of the same program. Most of the programs offer a downloadable desktop version, a browser version and some also a mobile app, between which you can synchronise the contents of your database.
Many databases offer the possibility to export references from the search result directly to the reference management software. The software may have a browser add-on that allows you to export the references to your own reference manager. The full text can be linked or saved as an attachment to the reference, and custom annotations can be made. It is also possible to export references from one reference management software to another.
Reference managers allow you to create a list of references of your choice with different citation styles. There are also plug-ins available that allow you to create in-text citations and a list of references based on them, e.g. in Word word processing software.
The links in the guide will open in the same window for links within the guide and in a new window for links to other websites. The Finnish tabs in this guide contain many additional links to resources, many of which are in English.
Most reference management programs include downloadable desktop version, browser version and perhaps also mobile app.
Data and Reference Management – a short introduction on Information Seeking and Management for Thesis Writers Moodle course site (Helsinki University Library). You can access the course as a guest unless you have a university user account.
Zotero is a free of charge program that anyone can download on their computer. It works on PC, Mac and Linux.
Zotero Connector is a browser extension allowing you to save content to Zotero.
Instructions on installing Zotero and other applications on a university computer are on the Software Center help page.
Your own computer: download Zotero desktop
More info on Zotero website. Create an account to use and synchronize with Zotero web version and to create groups for sharing references.
Zotero Quick Start Guide
Zotero support pages:
Access to materials acquired by Helsinki University Library: Edit --> Settings --> General--> Locate (scroll down):
Base URL: https://helka.helsinki.fi/openurl/358UOH_INST/358UOH_INST:VU1
By double-clicking on the reference or selecting Locate
on the right, you can access the full text through Helka.
EndNote 21 reference management tool helps you save time, stay organized, collaborate with colleagues, and ultimately, get published. It has been purchased for the use of staff and students on the university's computers. Both staff and students may also use EndNote 21 on their computers at home. An unlimited version of EndNote Web is available for EndNote 21 users. Create a Clarivate account, if you don't already have one (e.g. for Web of Science).
Instructions on installing EndNote 21 and other applications on a university computer are on Software Center help page. The installation media for your home computer can be found in the Download Center. Otherwise you can buy a personal license.
EndNote Feature Comparison Chart
EndNote Training & Support
endnote.support@clarivate.com
EndNote Training Channel on YouTube
How to Use EndNote 21 in 7 Minutes (Windows) – video on YouTube
How to Use EndNote 21 in 7 Minutes (macOS) – video on YouTube
Access to materials acquired by Helsinki University Library: Edit – Preferences – Find full Text:
OpenURL Path: https://helka.helsinki.fi/openurl/358UOH_INST/358UOH_INST:VU1
Authenticate with URL: https://login.libproxy.helsinki.fi/login
EndNote Basic/online is a freely available online reference manager. It reduces the time you spend searching, updating, and cleaning your research and formatting documents. EndNote basic users can create an online library with up to 50,000 references and up to 2GB of attachments.
There are two versions of EndNote online.
EndNote Feature Comparison Chart
EndNote Online Training & Support
Mendeley is a free reference manager that can help you organize your research and collaborate with others online. Web Importer is a browser extension allowing you to save content to Mendeley. Create an Elsevier account, if you don't already have one (e.g. for Scopus).
You can use Mendeley Reference Manager web also alone, if you don't want to install a desktop version.
Instructions on installing Mendeley and other applications on a university computer are on Software Center help page.
Your own computer: download Mendeley Reference Manager desktop
More info on Mendeley website.
Mendeley Help Guides
How To Use Mendeley Reference Manager (Complete Beginner's Guide) (Top Tip Bio 2022) – video on YouTube (16:53 min)
The University of Helsinki subscription to RefWorks was valid until 31st December 2021. RefWorks only offers institutional accounts, therefore you cannot access your individual account anymore. If you need help, contact support: RefWorks Support Case Form / Chat.
