RefWorks
How it works:
- Web-based application. Citations are saved online in your RefWorks account. You can also create a backup on your own computer.
How to get it:
- UVA Library provides access to RefWorks. See our RefWorks guide to set up an account and to log in.
Strengths:
- Works best for users who need to switch between computers, especially using public or shared computers.
- You can share citations with other users using the RefShare feature.
- Some library catalogs and databases, such as UVA Library's VIRGO catalog, can be searched directly within the RefWorks interface.
- The Attachments feature allows you to save articles as well as citations on the RefWorks server and access them from any computer.
- Connect back to articles using the Find@UVA button.
- UVA alumni can continue to use RefWorks after graduation. If you attached the full text for articles to the RefWorks record for a given citation, the articles will remain after graduation.
Weaknesses:
- Available to UVA users only as long as UVA Library subscribes to RefWorks. (Citations can be exported to other reference managers or to a Word or text file.)
- Alumni must use their RefWorks account within three years of graduating, otherwise the account will be deleted.
- Alumni accounts will not see the Find@UVA button in RefWorks, as this feature is limited to current UVA students, faculty, and staff only.
How to get help:
- See our RefWorks guide, Ask a Librarian.
Zotero
How it works:
- Desktop download and browser plugin. Citations are saved on your computer and to the Zotero server, and may be synced across devices.
How to get it:
- Download at https://www.zotero.org/download/. Options to download "Zotero for Firefox" or "Zotero Standalone" with Chrome, Firefox, or Safari browser plugins.
Strengths:
- Easy to access and use from within Firefox (Zotero for Firefox), or Desktop and either Chrome, Safari or Firefox (Zotero Standalone); importing citations can be accomplished with one click.
- Share citations with other users and the public using the Groups feature.
- Excellent for capturing information about web resources. Allows you to save and annotate websites.
- You can save attachments to Zotero’s server or your personal computer.
- Connect to articles using Find@UVa.*
Weaknesses:
- Use on more than one computer requires syncing; not designed for use on public or shared computers.
How to get help:
- See the Zotero website, Ask a Librarian.