Reference management tools
You can import references from Oria and various article databases. You can use the software to create references while writing in Word, and to create a bibliography in your preferred reference style.
What should you choose?
It is easy to get started with Zotero, and the tool is less complicated than EndNote when it comes to configuring and managing your reference library. The tool has sufficient features to meet the needs of the average user and works well for collaboration with others. Zotero is free, and you do not need a VID license to use it.
EndNote offers more advanced functionality and is suitable for those who have large amounts of references to manage in complex tasks/projects. It is also an advantage if you have fairly good IT skills. VID has licenses for EndNote, allowing you to use it for free as long as you are a student or employee at VID.
See also the page What are the differences between Zotero and EndNote? (UiO)
Installing and getting started
Download Zotero and browser extensions on zotero.org.
It is strongly recommended that you download both the Zotero software and the browser extension Zotero Connector. Zotero Connector makes it possible for you to save online references to Zotero with a single click. Please note that Zotero Connector must be downloaded separately for all the browsers you use. The exception is Safari, where the browser extension is included in the main download.
In addition, you can download and save PDF files in your Zotero Library. The references in your library are also available via your Online Account, and you can share them with others. Zotero works on both PC and Mac with Word, Google Docs or Libre Office.
Reference styles
Zotero has over 10000 different citation styles available. If you are writing in Norwegian using APA 7th you'll need to download the Norwegian APA 7 style from Høgskulen på Vestlandet.
The Citation Compass, gives you tips on how you use various sources in Zotero.
User guides and resources
- Zotero.org, software download, groups for shared libraries, documentation with comprehensive user guide and a discussion forum.
- Zotero user guide (Imperial College)
- Zotero user manual (NTNU)
Courses
The library doesn't offer Zotero courses in English. See "User guides and resources" above for online instructions.
Installing and getting started
Are you a student? See My page for instructions.
Staff members can install EndNote from the Software Center/Intune Company Portal on your work computer. If you're using the Software Center, you'll also find the license key there. The key is necessary for activating the software. If you're using the Intune Company Portal, the license key will be installed automatically.
NB! You need to be on campus/VID's network to install the software. If you don't succeed installing EndNote, please contact IT-Helpdesk.
EndNote Online
EndNote Online is the web-based version of EndNote. EndNote Online synchronized with EndNote Desktop offers the possibility of working with the same EndNote Library on several different machines, as well as enabling collaboration with others by sharing selected references from your EN Desktop Library. EndNote Online is recommended if you are working remotely, as using EndNote Desktop via VPN or the Cloud can lead to problems.
- Quick Reference Guide for EndNote Online
- EndNote Online: Getting Started Guide (Windows) (Volda University College)
EndNote for Mac
VID has licenses for EndNote for Mac as well as for Windows. We do not offer separate courses for Mac, but the differences between EN for Windows and Mac are minor, and Mac users usually benefit from attending our courses. The below list of online resources and guides also include instructions for EndNote on a Mac.
Reference styles
When you install EndNote, many different styles are available to you. Not all styles are installed automatically in EndNote, including Norwegian language styles. If you write in Norwegian, VID recommends that you use the following styles:
The Citation Compass gives you tips on how you use various sources in EndNote.
User guides and resources
- Official help pages for EndNote, for Mac and Windows, with videos and training materials
- EndNote, comprehensive course/guide (Stavanger University Library)
- EndNote, for Mac and Windows (The University of Oslo)
Courses
The library gives introductory courses in EndNote and provides guidance and user support. You can get help on-campus or online via Teams/Zoom. Please contact the library if you're interested.
User support and contact
If you have any questions regarding the use of EndNote/Zotero, please contact bibliotek@vid.no.