Bibliographic management

Using a tool to manage and create references can be helpful, particularly if you're working with a large number of references. Bibliographic management (also known as reference management) tools provide a way to collect and save details of the resources you have used in your work. They can then generate references, reference lists and bibliographies in a variety of referencing styles.

Selecting a tool to manage your references

There are a range of free and paid for tools available, although free versions may have limitations, such as the amount of storage space provided. Different types of tool include:

• Websites that allow you to instantly generate a single reference, often known as citation generators
• Word processing software with plugins that allow you to generate references as you write
• Browser extensions which help you easily collect references
• Applications that you can access online and/or install on your device.

The Open University does not endorse a particular product but this Selecting a reference management tool activity will help you choose the right one for you. Wikipedia provides a page containing an extensive comparison of tools you may also find useful.

Support for reference management tools

The library provides a training session that gives an Introduction to reference management tools and an activity that provides help when using Reference management tools with library databases (requires login).

The Library helpdesk does not provide support for these tools. However, below is a list of links to various help materials for some of the more popular tools. If you are still struggling to find an answer to your question, please contact the supplier directly.