Managing Your References

Bibliographic software allows you to collect, record, organise, store, search for and retrieve references, generate citations and bibliographies, and (depending on the software) post your database/s live on the web.

Common features of reference management software:

• Stores references in a searchable database
• Allow attachment of PDFs and other files 
• Auto-generates citations and bibliographies/ reference lists in your document in many different styles
• Allows sharing of collections of references with others
• Syncs your references across multiple devices

What doesn't it do?

• May not create a perfect bibliography or reference list according to your preferred style .
  • You still need to be familiar with the referencing style to be used.
  • Refer to Style Manuals.
  • In some programs it is possible to adjust or edit output styles.
• Will not correct typos or errors or omissions from references manually entered or downloaded from databases.
  • You will always need to proof-read references for accuracy: punctuation, capitalisation, spelling.
• When downloading references from databases the program may not always recognise the  reference type
  • May not distinguish a conference proceeding from a book.
  • Some information may be inserted in the wrong fields and require editing.