Comparing the bibliographic management softwares: Mendeley, EndNote and Zotero

Abstract

The development of a reliable literature review from relevant previously published studies is imperative to highlight the originality and scientific contributions of research. Due to the large amount of databases and publications available, we need ease-to-use tools that assist reference management in a standardized way. The purpose of this article was to examine three of the most frequently used bibliographic management softwares by academic researchers: Mendeley, EndNote, and Zotero. The authors sought to highlight the main benefits and difficulties in using the softwares and compared their main features by using a theoretical-conceptual research-based literature as well as critically analyzing the softwares cited by the authors. As a result, it was possible to highlight the main features of each of the softwares and develop a comparative chart. Considering the characteristics of the three softwares analyzed, it was possible to conclude that all of them have tools that facilitate searching, organizing, and analyzing articles, which can facilitate the work of researchers who use these softwares.