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EndNote Essentials

An introduction to EndNote for Mac, PC, and Online versions

About EndNote

EndNote is citation management software that helps you organize citations and format bibliographies in different formats (APA, MLA, specific journal styles, etc.). EndNote is software that you install on your computer with additional online functionality. If you want to use EndNote, you or your department must purchase a license. 

How do I access EndNote?
  • Purchase from HuskerTech for a discounted rate (students, faculty, staff, and anyone with a .edu academic email address).
  • Purchase from IT procurement for a discounted rate (current faculty and staff only).
  • Purchase from Clarivate $110 for students and $205 for faculty/staff. Contact Max Watkin (Max.Watkin@Clarivate.com)
  • A free 30 day trial of EndNote is available through Clarivate. 
  • EndNote Basic sometimes referred to as EndNote Online is a free web-based version with less functionality than the desktop software. However, it does allow users to store, organize, and share citations and bibliographies. It is best when used with the desktop version.
How often should I upgrade my EndNote software?

Typically there is a new version of EndNote released annually. There is no need to update your software each year however, it is a good idea to update it every several years. Older versions of EndNote eventually stop being supported and newer versions of Word don't support Cite While You Write features in older versions of EndNote. 

EndNote support

In addition to UNL Library support for EndNote, Clarviate provides support for EndNote since it is a purchased software. 

Recommendations

EndNote is great if you are:

  • Writing a thesis, dissertation, or manuscript
  • Needing to store, organize, and manage many references and PDFs
  • Collaborating with colleagues who also use EndNote
  • Need to access and use your references with and without an internet connection
  • Looking for an ADA compliant citation management program with accessibility features

EndNote's not so great if you are:

  • Working with a small number of references
  • Looking for a tool to create a quick bibliography
  • Collaborating with people who aren't using EndNote
  • Don't have time to learn a new tool

Other Tools to Consider

Trying to figure out which citation manager is right for you?  This webpage contains a comparison of citation managers that UNL Libraries supports (Endnote, RefWorks, Zotero, and Mendeley).

EndNote Software is missing from the comparison, but you can find the information here:

Who can use? Everyone

How to access? Faculty and Staff can purchase the software through IT; Students can purchase the software for a discount at EndNote.com

Word Processor Plugins? Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, Open Office, Apple Pages, Wolfram Mathematica 8

Save, Annotate, & Store PDFS: Save - yes, Annotate - yes, Store - unlimited storage space (with software only - Basic version has a 2GB storage limit).

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