Bibliographic Software

What is Bibliographic Software?

Bibliographic Software (also known as Reference Management Software and Citation Software) is a computer program that allows you to generate bibliographies. The "big one" that most universities use and offer to their staff and students is Endnote, but there are others. This wikipedia page offers a comparison of different types of Bibliographic Software. BiblioScape, which has favourable reviews from a variety of sources, also has a cut-down freeware version of its Citation Software called BilbioExpress

Essentially, you input all of the relevant bibliographical information about your book/article/webpage (such as: author, publisher, date, etc), and the software will help you arrange that information in a variety of ways. Most programs will also allow you to make notes on each entry, file them in "libraries". Many also offer the ability to link to a file or url so that you can

The programs are very useful tools that can enhance your research in a number of ways, such as:

They help you keep track of your sources - If you make a note of every book or article you come across in your research that you thought was particularly interesting or relevant, then you have a better chance of finding it again later. Especially if you add notes such as quotes that caught your attention or "talks about problems with hatcheries" to jog your memory.

They help you stay "in style" - Most of the good programs are programmed with the main citation styles (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc), and the really good ones will also have "house styles" for some of the major journals. This means you don't have to track down the style guide to makes sure your citations are structured correctly - the program will do it for you.

They help you create lists - Say you want to find all of the references you have that were published in the USA, or you merely want to find all of the sources for which you have PDF copies. A good Bibliographic Software program will let you run special searches that can help you create different lists for different purposes.

They can help you sort out your recipes - Okay, this one isn't related to research, but it does help illustrate the fact that a good Bibliographic Software program has multiple uses. Keep a list of all of your favourite recipes, what books they're in and what ingredients they use. Then, the next time you can't quite remember where that great recipe for asparagus soup is, you can do a quick search and track it down.

However, as much as I love and praise Bibliographic Software, it can be very easy to fall into the "Technology Trap" with these programs. Make sure you read the forthcoming entry on the Technology Trap, and remember to stay in the driver's seat.