Reference tools
General advice for using reference managers (EndNote/Zotero)
Even if you use a reference manager and enter the correct information, the reference may not appear exactly as it should according to the citation style you follow. For some sources it is also not clear which item type to choose for the source. The main rule is to use the item type that makes the reference look as correctly as possible, but sometimes manual edits are necessary.
Simple solution for individual adjustments
At the very end of the writing process, before you submit your text, we recommend detaching the document from the reference manager. You can then manually make the remaining changes to get the references fully correct.
Be aware
Detaching the document from the reference manager cannot be reversed. We therefore recommend that you first save a backup copy of your document with the references still linked to the software.
In EndNote
Choose “Convert to Plain Text” under Update Citations and Bibliography in the EndNote menu. This function removes the EndNote codes from the document and makes it a plain document. You can then format the bibliography as you wish.
In Zotero
Choose “Unlink Citations” in your document. This function detaches your document from your Zotero library. You can then format the bibliography as you wish.
You can also customize the bibliography in Zotero while working on the document (Edit Bibliography), but be aware that manually edited references will no longer be actively linked to the tool. If you change the citation style or make changes to individual references in Zotero, the reference(s) in the document will not update.
Advanced solutions for individual adjustments
Both tools also offer options for customizing a citation style. This is easier in EndNote than in Zotero. Remember that the styles should be correct in the tool to begin with, so if you need to use a specific style you should not make any big changes.
In EndNote
When you make changes to a citation style in EndNote, your changes will apply to all your references. This can take some time and be a bit fiddly, and is most relevant if you need to make larger changes (change the appearance of all in-text citations) or you have many references in “odd” formats. You can read more about editing styles in EndNote here: Redigere stiler
In Zotero
In Zotero you have the option to customize citation styles and create your own version of them, but this requires some experience with programming.
You can read more about editing styles in Zotero here: Zotero Style Editor
There are many different citation styles and variants available in EndNote and Zotero, but not all of these styles include formatted templates for every possible reference type available in the tools (Item type/“reference type”). These will still appear in the menu of the customized citation style, but the tool will use a generic format if a template for the source type is missing. So if your reference does not look correct in the bibliography you can consider switching to another reference type that is similar, or edit the reference manually.
Checklist for correct referencing when using a reference manager
- Last name and first name are in the correct fields (Zotero) or in the correct order (EndNote)
- If the author is an organization, write the name in the Single Field (Zotero) or write a comma after the name (Endnote)
- Author is changed to Editor or Translator where applicable (Zotero)
- If you are writing in a language other than English, check that the correct language is selected (Zotero) or that you have a version of the style in the correct language installed (EndNote)
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