This guide introduces the reference management tools available to you at the University of Sunderland and provides clear step-by-step guidance for beginners in using the software. If you're already familiar with these tools and need advanced help, check out the Further help section.
Reference management software is a helpful tool for managing your references, but it's important you always review the references it creates. These tools are not a replacement for knowing how to reference. Use Cite Them Right (link below) to check the references are accurate.
If you have any questions about referencing or using Cite Them Right you can visit one of the Study Skills Drop-Ins or take a look at the Referencing Library Guide in the "Is this the right guide right for you?" section below.
Cite Them Right is an online platform designed to advise students on how to reference correctly across eight referencing styles. Based on the best-selling book in its 12th edition, by Richard Pears and Graham Shields, this programme is trusted by institutions globally, and accessed by thousands of students daily.
Partner Staff Access
Log in directly on the Cite Them Right website. Choose ‘Login via your Institution’.
The links below offer some other options for help and support with referencing. Cite Them Right is a website dedicated to referencing and will take you through step-by step how and when to reference. Our Referencing guide, created by our study support team, so gives you help and advice on referencing.
Cite Them Right is an online platform designed to advise students on how to reference correctly across eight referencing styles. Based on the best-selling book in its 12th edition, by Richard Pears and Graham Shields, this programme is trusted by institutions globally, and accessed by thousands of students daily.
Partner Staff Access
Log in directly on the Cite Them Right website. Choose ‘Login via your Institution’.
Reference management software helps you collect, organise, cite, and share research sources. It can automatically format your citations and reference lists in various styles.
Here's a more detailed look at its functions and benefits:
Reference Management Software helps you keep all your research materials in one place, automatically generate citations and reference lists, and access your references across devices
This guide helps you explore reference management tools, decide if they’re right for you, and choose the best one for your needs.
At the University of Sunderland you can access two reference management tools:
This chart highlights the key features of the tools available for free to University of Sunderland students and staff. Click on the menu to the left to learn more about how to use each program.
Zotero | EndNote Online | |
Accessibility/ Storage | Accessible on the web via a browser or as a free downloadable program. | Accessible on the web via a browser. |
Collaboration | Collaboration is possible with group libraries where members can add and edit references. | Limited collaboration features, mainly focused on individual use rather than group projects. |
Cost | Free standard version. (Paid-for upgrades available) | Free version available to everyone, and enhanced online versions available via the university's subscription to the Web of Science database. |
Ease of use | Easy to moderate. User-friendly interface, good for beginners. | Easy to moderate. |
Import citations from databases | Yes | Yes |
Automatically create citation from PDF | Yes | No |
Attach PDFs | Yes | Yes |
Annotate PDFs | Yes | No |
Sharing options | Yes | Yes |
Word processor compatibility | Microsoft Word, Open Office, Google Docs (does not work with Word Online) | Microsoft Word (does not work with Word Online) |
Major citation styles | Yes | Yes |
Is support / help available? | Library Service offers support for Zotero. Good external support via website and YouTube videos. |
Library Service offers support for EndNote Online. Support on external websites and videos for EndNote Online is limited. |