Should I use a reference manager?

A reference manager is an essential software tool for researchers. It provides a centralized location to collect, organize, manage, and cite research sources.

What is a reference manager?

Paperpile reference manager

Here are some reasons why you should consider using a reference manager:

  1. Efficiency: A reference manager can save you a lot of time and effort managing your references. You can easily import references from databases, websites, and other sources, and the software will automatically format them in the citation style of your choice.
  2. Accuracy: Using a reference manager can reduce citation and reference errors. It ensures that your references are consistently formatted and include all the necessary information.
  3. Collaboration: A reference manager can make collaborating with others on a research project much easier. You can share your references with colleagues, and the software will automatically update them as you make changes.
  4. Organization: A reference manager can help you keep track of all your research references in one place. You can add tags, notes, and other metadata to your references to make it easier to find them later.
  5. Flexibility: Most reference managers are compatible with multiple citation styles, so you can easily switch between styles.

What does a reference manager do?

Paperpile

Paperpile is an easy-to-use reference manager. It allows you to collect, organize, and cite your references wherever you are:

Paperpile offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, allowing you to save references from webpages with a single click:

Save references with Paperpile

“Paperpile is a seamless way to organize and access papers I'm reading.”

-Assistant Professor, UCLA

Read more about reference managers:

Other interesting topics:

All your papers in one place. Nice and tidy.