Reference management systems

Abstract

This contribution focuses on reference management systems that help writers capture, store, organize, use, cite, annotate, and share source material for their writing. Reference management has become easier, faster and more social over the years: Originally introduced to reduce the effort required to correctly edit citations, reference management systems have evolved over time to incorporate new features such as online management of source material or bibliographic social bookmarking. The usefulness of typical functions of reference management systems for the use of source material in academic writing is discussed. Different reference management systems are described, focusing in particular on their unique features. Furthermore, research on the effectiveness of reference management systems is shortly summarized. The contribution concludes with suggestions on how to achieve wider acceptance and adoption of reference management systems by writers in their writing routines.