Citation Management

Citation managers, sometimes called reference managers, help you keep track of your research, organize citations, and create bibliographies. Each tool is different and there isn't one manager that does everything perfectly. So how do you pick the one that is right for you?

The How to Choose a Citation Manager page compares RefWorks, Mendeley and Zotero and outlines their features.

Citation Management Tools

RefWorks
A web-based citation manager, organize references by folders and tags, import references from databases like Google Scholar, creates bibliographies and has a plug-in for creating in-text citations.

USC Libraries has a subscription to RefWorks and the full-version is available to all USC students, faculty and staff at no cost. Access to RefWorks is also available after graduation.

RefWorks currently released a new version of the software.

RefWorks - new version
To create an account, go to https://refworks.proquest.com and use your usc.edu email address.

For more information about getting started with RefWorks, view our RefWorks guide: https://libguides.usc.edu/RefWorks

RefWorks - classic version
USC Libraries supported the older, classic version of RefWorks until December 2017.

Follow these instructions to move your references to the new version.

To log in to the RefWorks classic, view: www.refworks.com

Mendeley
Available on the web and software can be downloaded to laptop/desktop, organize references by folders and tags,  creates bibliographies and has a plug-in for creating in-text citations, has dedicated apps for mobile devices.

For more information about Mendeley, view: https://libguides.usc.edu/mendeley

Zotero
A web-based, organizes citations by folders, useful for researchers who utilize images

For more information about Zotero, view: https://libguides.usc.edu/zotero

EndNote
USC Libraries only has access to the web version of EndNote and it is available through the Web of Science database, under My Tools.

Citation Styles & Guides

For more information on various citation styles, like APA and MLA and tips for citation analysis and writing view the library’s Citation Guide.