Reference and PDF-Manager Software: Complexities, Support and Workflow

Abstract

In the past, librarians taught reference management by training library users to use established software programs such as RefWorks or EndNote. In today's environment, there is a proliferation of Web-based programs that are being used by library clientele that offer a new twist on the well-known reference management programs. Basically, these new programs are PDF-manager software (e.g., Mendeley or Papers). Librarians are faced with new questions, issues, and concerns, given the new workflows and pathways that these PDF-manager programs present. This article takes a look at some of those.

KEYWORDS:

• Bibliographic management
• EndNote
• library instruction
• library services
• Mendeley
• Papers
• PDF-manager software
• reference management software
• RefWorks
• workflow
• Zotero

Notes

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Donna Berryman ([email protected]) and Matthew B. Hoy ([email protected]).