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Citation Ethics and Citation Managers: EndNote

Citations are a necessary part of academic writing, but they can also be frustrating. This site will help you figure out when you need to cite, why we cite, how citation managers can help you both manage and cite sources, and where to go to learn more.

Getting EndNote

Virginia Tech affiliates can download EndNote for free from Software Distribution. Simply click on the link for Network Software Server and log in via 2-factor authentication. From there, you can download EndNote. Please note that downloading the software from EndNote's website will not give you access to the full version of the software.

Note for Mac users: When you first open EndNote after installation, it will look like nothing is happening. However, if you look at the very top left of your screen, you'll see the Apple icon and then the EndNote 21 menu options. Select File - New, and then choose a location on your computer to save your library. The library will then open on your computer, ready to have references added to it. 

EndNote Online: An online version of EndNote is available for free for any users, regardless of university affiliation. Creating an online account will also allow for online backup of your EndNote Desktop library. Create an account at myendnoteweb.com; please note that when you sign up, you can use any email address to create your account and are not required to use your VT email address. Please make sure your password adheres to VT's password guidelines. Once you've created your account, sync your desktop and online accounts using that login information in order to access shared libraries and EndNote 21 for Word Online. 

Tutorial: Getting Started with EndNote

EndNote tutorial interface

Getting Started with EndNote

 EndNote basics for Mac

EndNote20 basics for Windows. 

Getting Started with EndNote - Live Training

Using EndNote 21 in Google Docs

Can I import references from a reference list?

If you have a list of references in a document and would like to get them into EndNote, you can use AnyStyle.io to convert the references into a file that can be imported into EndNote. Just follow the directions on the site and save the references to BibTeX format. Download the file, and then in EndNote, go to File -- Import and find the downloaded file. Make sure you select the BibTeX Import Option (on a Mac, you may have to click Options from the bottom left corner and then Other Filters to see this import option). The reference will be added to your EndNote library. Remember to check over the references after they've been added to EndNote to make sure they're correct. 

Finding Full Text through EndNote

Users can set up EndNote to find full text. Please note that the links below were updated in June 2020. If you are having trouble finding full text, check to make sure you're using the links below. This option is usually found under Preferences - Find Full Text. You can copy and paste the following URLs: 

OpenURL path:

https://virginiatech.on.worldcat.org/atoztitles/link

Authenticate with:

https://login.ezproxy.lib.vt.edu/login?url= 

Here's what it will look like in EndNote: 

The Find Full Text page of the EndNote preferences menu showing the "OpenURL path" and "Authenticate with" text entry boxes

Library Catalog Connection File

Need additional help?

For additional help with EndNote at Newman Library, contact endnote-support-g@vt.edu. Please included a detailed description of the problem you're experiencing, as well as any screenshots of the error. When sending an email from Outlook, be sure you're sending it from an @vt.edu address, not a @exchange.vt.edu address; messages from @exchange.vt.edu addresses will not go through. 

You can also sign up for a virtual consultation here (select Citation Managers from the list of topics).

EndNote has an extensive user support system, including technical support, a user community, and a knowledgebase. Visit http://endnote.com/support for a variety of support options.