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.

Footnotes and Endnotes

What are Footnotes and Endnotes?

Footnotes are the notes found at the foot, or bottom of a page. They are usually separated from the main text on the page by a space or line and are smaller in print size than the main text.

Endnotes are found at the end of a chapter, article or section. They contain the same information and features as footnotes, but are on a different page to the text to which they refer.

Footnotes and endnotes offer more information about some aspects of the main text. They can be a reference, some more facts related to a topic or a commentary on that topic.

Footnotes and endnotes always comment on something in the main text, and are connected to that part of the text by a number or a symbol. Footnotes and endnotes often (but not always) contain information that is not necessary for the text itself, but can add to the understanding of certain aspects of the text.

What do I do when I see them?

Read them. Information which is placed in a footnote or endnote is information the author thought was relevant, even if it did not necessarily belong in the main part of the text.

Sometimes very useful and relevant information can be held in a note - sometimes the notes have exactly the information you need, even though the main text doesn't.

Footnotes and endnotes often hold the reference for a quote or statement, and will help you follow your line of research.

Can I cite/quote them in my assignment?

Yes, a note is as legitimate a source of information as the rest of the text - although some referencing styles have certain rules for citing from a footnote or endnote. You should check your styles guide to see what these rules are.

Can I use footnotes or endnotes in my own assignments?

Sometimes.

Some styles won't let you cite your references in text, and insist you use footnotes and endnotes for your citations. Other's frown on the use of footnotes and endnotes, preferring that all information be held in the main text or in an appendix. Check with your lecturer or tutor to see what is expected of you.

Remember, you can only use footnotes or endnotes, not both. Check which one belongs with the style you are using, or which one your lecturer prefers.

Footnotes, endnotes and appendices are often outside of the word limit, as well, so you should check with your lecturer to see if they count towards the word limit or not.

Further Reading

Mock, William B.T. (2006). When a Rose Isn't 'Arose' Isn't Arroz: A Student Guide to Footnoting for Informational Clarity and Scholarly Discourse. International Journal of Legal Information, 34 (1) 87-97. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1019891

Cermak, B. & Troxell, J. (2006). A Guide to Footnotes and Endnotes for NASA History Authors. Available at: http://history.nasa.gov/footnoteguide.html

Ohrstrom Library Staff. (1999). Giving Credit to Sources: Footnotes. Available at http://library.sps.edu/reference/Hypertext_tutorial/ht_footnoteform.shtml

When and how do I use footnotes or endnotes? http://www.noodletools.com/kb/index.php?article=61