From your experience as student nurses, identify which specific free reference tool (from page 3 of activity in #1) are you leaning towards using and justify why using the features (page 2) that you think you are likely to require.
From my experience as a student nurse, Zotero would be the best free reference tool for me. This tool is new to me, but seems simple and easy to use, which is very helpful, as I don’t need too much time to learn how to use it.
The feature that I am likely to require is accessibility. Zotero can be used to open saved resources on any device, which means I can study at home, in the library, or even during clinical rotations. Aside from that, storage is very important for me, especially since there are a lot of articles and references that are needed in nursing. Zotero’s storage feature is also very useful because I can keep all my articles and references in one place without filling up my device’s memory. Lastly, sustainability also matters. Zotero has an open-source nature which enhances its sustainability, ensuring it remains free and supported over the long term, which is crucial for my continuous learning as I progress in my nursing studies. Together, these features make Zotero an ideal choice for managing references effectively and efficiently.
The feature that I am likely to require is accessibility. Zotero can be used to open saved resources on any device, which means I can study at home, in the library, or even during clinical rotations. Aside from that, storage is very important for me, especially since there are a lot of articles and references that are needed in nursing. Zotero’s storage feature is also very useful because I can keep all my articles and references in one place without filling up my device’s memory. Lastly, sustainability also matters. Zotero has an open-source nature which enhances its sustainability, ensuring it remains free and supported over the long term, which is crucial for my continuous learning as I progress in my nursing studies. Together, these features make Zotero an ideal choice for managing references effectively and efficiently.
Reference:
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Hi, Shaine! Personally, I am still not familiar with Zotero. I had not even heard of it until today, but after reading your answer on how useful Zotero can be made researched the application. It is very intriguing how this application can help with my research, so next time I need an application to help me save my resources, I will surely keep this in mind.
Thank you for sharing this Ate Shaine! I never really thought about using this before, but it sounds like a really helpful tool, especially with its accessibility across devices and its storage features. I will check this out and see for myself how it can help me in managing my references easier in the future.
This is a thoughtful and well-explained answer! You’ve clearly highlighted how Zotero meets the specific needs of a nursing student. Your points on accessibility and storage are especially relatable—having the flexibility to access resources anywhere is essential when balancing studies and clinical rotations. You also did a great job pointing out Zotero's sustainability as a free, open-source tool, which is indeed a big plus for students who need reliable, long-term support. Your answer captures exactly why Zotero is such a practical choice for managing references in nursing studies, Shaine!
Of the four free reference tools listed in the resource website, I am leaning towards using Zotero. First and foremost, while it does require me to download a separate software, it is compatible with Windows and iOS. It offers early access in android devices, but the program is unfortunately full, so the app is not currently accessible. It has a sync feature that allows the users to access their up-to-date libraries using different computers, as long as they are running on the same version of the application.
Zotero can reference a wide variety of sources, including books, book sections, emails, encyclopedia articles, journal articles, websites, audio recordings, artworks, and more. It stores essential metadata such as titles, creators, publishers, dates, page numbers, and any other information required for accurate citation. Zotero provides flexible options for adding references. Users can manually enter each reference or use the Google Chrome extension, which streamlines the process when browsing online libraries on a laptop or PC. With a single click on the extension, I can save citations directly to a chosen folder in my Zotero library. The free version of Zotero offers 300 MB of storage, which covers attachments, notes, files, links, snapshots, and more. For additional storage, Zotero offers paid plans ranging from $20 to $120 per year.
One of Zotero’s best features, in my opinion, is its ability to organize references using folders and subfolders. This structure makes it easy to categorize and access sources efficiently. With the Zotero browser extension, I can easily access sources using a Zotero tab that is added onto Word processors like Google Docs, and then search through a search bar the title or the author of the reference/citation I'd like to add. They also have shared group libraries for any collaborative works. Zotero supports exporting its library to other reference management tools in formats like RIS and BibTeX. Additionally, it includes a built-in Mendeley importer, which can transfer all data from Mendeley and automatically relink citations in existing documents. Finally, Zotero is user-friendly and intuitive, especially if you take a little time to explore its features. There are also many online tutorial videos that provide step-by-step guidance on using Zotero effectively.
References:
quick_start_guide [Zotero Documentation]. (n.d.). Accessed November 6, 202 from https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
Research Guides: Zotero: A Beginner’s Guide: Storage. (2024). https://libguides.unm.edu/Zotero/storage
I appreciate how you laid out the features of Zotero so clearly, Georgette! It’s definitely a powerful tool with its ability to organize references and sync across devices. I can relate to your emphasis on flexibility, as it’s something I also consider crucial when choosing a system for research. For me, Mendeley’s multi-platform access and the ability to manage full-text articles with annotations are huge selling points, especially for staying organized on the go. However, Zotero’s intuitive organization and browser integration really stand out as strong features, making it a solid choice for users who value structure and easy access. It’s great how both systems offer cloud storage and file management options to support seamless research workflows as well.
Hi, Gie! Thanks for emphasizing the sync feature that Zotero can provide. I also find that feature very satisfying as someone who switches between multiple devices, depending on the load of the work provided.
Hello Georgette! Reading your insights feels like reading a reviewer from a application developer! I appreciate how you dissected and elaborated the features of Zotero. Like you, I also lean towards Zotero due to its more extensive features. Yes, it has lot more features than Mendeley, however the ease of use and how the options of the application are presented are not overwhelming for the user. However, for me the main drawback would be the pricing. Perhaps, Zotero would be truly useful once we enter masteral courses as Zotero is a viable tool for collaboration purposes.
I am leaning towards using the Microsoft Word feature that adds citations to your work. The features being used are adding and organizing references. I can add references as I please and place them in the document whenever I need to. As a student, it is important to be organized when it comes to dealing with citations. Not only does it keep research as accurately written as possible, it also allows myself to write and cite with more ease. As compared to constantly having to switch between different websites or notes applications to keep track of my references, I can just use this feature in Word to work better overall.
Add citations in a Word document - Microsoft Support. (n.d.). https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/add-citations-in-a-word-document-ab9322bb-a8d3-47f4-80c8-63c06779f127?ui=en-us&rs=en-gb&ad=gb
Add citations in a Word document - Microsoft Support. (n.d.). https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/add-citations-in-a-word-document-ab9322bb-a8d3-47f4-80c8-63c06779f127?ui=en-us&rs=en-gb&ad=gb
Hi, Tana!
I completely agree that Microsoft Word’s built-in reference management tool is incredibly convenient because it eliminates the need of downloading a separate software to perform the task of managing references and citations. As an avid user of Microsoft Word, I’ve been utilizing this feature for quite some time. One area where I think Microsoft could improve is by making this feature available across all platforms, including iOS and android devices. Currently, Word for iOS doesn’t support reference management or building a works-cited list like the traditional desktop application, which limits its functionality for users on mobile devices. I believe that doing so would enhance its accessibility and allow users to fully leverage the tool regardless of the device they’re using.
I completely agree that Microsoft Word’s built-in reference management tool is incredibly convenient because it eliminates the need of downloading a separate software to perform the task of managing references and citations. As an avid user of Microsoft Word, I’ve been utilizing this feature for quite some time. One area where I think Microsoft could improve is by making this feature available across all platforms, including iOS and android devices. Currently, Word for iOS doesn’t support reference management or building a works-cited list like the traditional desktop application, which limits its functionality for users on mobile devices. I believe that doing so would enhance its accessibility and allow users to fully leverage the tool regardless of the device they’re using.
In reply to Rustana Kym Columbres
Re: Reference Tool and Justification
Using the Microsoft Word feature is truly an interesting and valid choice, Rustana! As the university provides us with free access to Microsoft Office applications, the utilization of this feature exemplifies the resourcefulness of a student nurse. Agreeably, it has to most user-friendly interface among the reference tools given, and the application is used by a wider audience. It also defeats the necessity to download another software for referencing, which is a good point. With these in mind, I see how the use of such feature in the same application as the working documents largely contributes to the ease of use.
Thank you for your insights. Would definitely try more of this!
Thank you for your insights. Would definitely try more of this!
Hi, Tana! I appreciate you emphasizing the ease of use and organization that Microsoft Word can also provide. I have also used this tool in previous documents during my high school years and indeed, it is also convenient to utilize just one application for both my content and references.
I agree that using Microsoft Word's feature that adds citation to your work makes it easier for you to work. Before, I struggled to have to go back to the end of the page in order to properly insert the citation appropriate for that text, however, with Microsoft Word's feature, in a single click, you can now add citations without having to go all that trouble!
I agree with your answer, Tana! As someone who has previously used Microsoft Word for citations, I can definitely say that this tool is very efficient, especially for us nursing students. I want to emphasize your point that by using this feature in Word, we don't have to keep switching between different websites. As I have said, we are nursing students, so we need a solution that is convenient and saves us time, like this Microsoft Word feature.
Well said, Tana! I also prefer the Microsoft Word as too many tabs open (plus the number of articles that we need to read) can be overwhelming. I just learned about this feature but it surely sound helpful. Can't wait to start using this feature on our next activities that require lots of readings!
From my experience as a student nurse, I am leaning towards using Zotero as my preferred free reference tool. The feature that I am likely to require is Zotero's accessebility and compatibility with the operating systems of my devices. It can be downloaded on devices with Windows OS, and has a sync feature that allows data to be accessed from different devices, ensuring that information stays up-to-date and uniform even when I don't have access to the device I originally used. Another factor is its ease of use. I believe that I can quickly learn to navigate Zotero and maximize its features, despite it being new to me, because of the user-friendly interface. Lastly, its ability to automatically detect research as users browse through the net and its organizational tools— such as grouping and adding keywords— make it my top choice.
Your reasons for choosing Zotero make a lot of sense, Bielle! Its accessibility across devices and compatibility with Windows, along with the sync feature, definitely provide a seamless way to keep your references up-to-date wherever you are. Also, the automatic research detection and organizational tools are great for staying organized. The user-friendly interface will smooth the learning process, so I hope you'll have a good experience with Zotero as I did.
I agree with your statement Bielle, Zotero would greatly help us student nurses in organizing our data and references. Especially the feature where it is accessible on multiple devices, as we always use our phones, aside from our laptops, to research or do tasks on.
I relate to your criteria for deciding your referencing tool, Bielle. Although my choice is different from yours, accessibility and compatibility are indeed two features that we should consider when we choose features to utilize. The degree of which an application and/or feature is easy to use is crucial for us to maximize the application and its built-in features, regardless of our preferences.
I completely agree with your perspective on Zotero, Bielle! Its accessibility and compatibility across devices are indeed vital features, especially for someone constantly switching between study sessions at home, in the library, or even during clinical duties. The sync feature is a lifesaver for ensuring all data stays updated no matter where you access it. I also appreciate how intuitive Zotero is, even for first-time users, which makes it less intimidating to learn. Its ability to automatically detect research and organize references into groups or with keywords is a huge advantage, saving us both time and effort when managing sources for assignments or research projects. It's definitely a top choice for an organized and efficient workflow.
As a student nurse, I would choose Zotero as my preferred reference management tool. I have been familiar with Zotero for quite a while, which has allowed me to understand and utilize its various features effectively. Zotero has all the essential functions highlighted on page 2, Activity #1, including organizing sources, creating accurate citations, and managing references efficiently.
Zotero's ease of use and streamlined output are valuable to me. These features allow me to save significant time, essential in my busy schedule as a nursing student. Additionally, Zotero's capacity to produce accurate citations minimizes the risk of errors, helping me avoid potential plagiarism-related issues. Given the high academic standards in nursing and the importance of integrity in documentation, having a reliable tool like Zotero is necessary.
Zotero's ease of use and streamlined output are valuable to me. These features allow me to save significant time, essential in my busy schedule as a nursing student. Additionally, Zotero's capacity to produce accurate citations minimizes the risk of errors, helping me avoid potential plagiarism-related issues. Given the high academic standards in nursing and the importance of integrity in documentation, having a reliable tool like Zotero is necessary.
I agree with you, Therese! I am not that familiar yet with Zotero but I will surely try it out. It's really helpful that aside from its accessibility, organization tools, and ease of use, you vouched on its reliability and how it can produce accurate citations.
As a student nurse, I find Mendeley to be a foundational reference management tool due to its comprehensive features that support my academic research needs. Mendeley provides multi-platform access, functioning on desktops, web browsers, and mobile devices, which ensures seamless synchronization of my reference library across different platforms. This flexibility is essential for managing research on the go (Reis et al., 2023).
Its content management capabilities stand out as it accommodates not just bibliographic details but also full-text articles, PDFs, and annotations. This allows for efficient literature review and deeper engagement with materials. The import tools are user-friendly, enabling the automatic capture of references from databases or web pages, saving significant time. As it also comes with a free 2GB of cloud storage, it’s definitely a solid choice as the references are securely backed up and accessible from any device, ensuring I never lose crucial data and when I do need to pull up some information on the go, it makes it very seamless to view them from one device to another without any hassle.
Mendeley’s citation plugin for MS Word streamlines the process of creating in-text citations and generating reference lists, which is invaluable during tight deadlines (Reis et al., 2023). Additionally, its vast organization system, including folders, tags, and annotations, simplifies sorting through numerous resources. And another one that I think is the very strength of Mendeley is its sustainability which is commendable, as it does support seamless export of formats and extension for other reference management systems/tools. For example, whenever formats like .ris, you will be able to ensure compatibility with other reference tools if you do decide that you want to explore or just in general have a feel of what’s going to add better to your research. This feature of format compatibility ensures that if users wish to explore or switch to other tools, Mendeley serves as a reliable foundation.
Reference:
Reis, M. A. F., Favretto, J., Favretto, N. M., Favretto, L. M. H., & Dos Santos, R. P. (2022). Knowledge management in the classroom using Mendeley technology. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(4), 102486.
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Its content management capabilities stand out as it accommodates not just bibliographic details but also full-text articles, PDFs, and annotations. This allows for efficient literature review and deeper engagement with materials. The import tools are user-friendly, enabling the automatic capture of references from databases or web pages, saving significant time. As it also comes with a free 2GB of cloud storage, it’s definitely a solid choice as the references are securely backed up and accessible from any device, ensuring I never lose crucial data and when I do need to pull up some information on the go, it makes it very seamless to view them from one device to another without any hassle.
Mendeley’s citation plugin for MS Word streamlines the process of creating in-text citations and generating reference lists, which is invaluable during tight deadlines (Reis et al., 2023). Additionally, its vast organization system, including folders, tags, and annotations, simplifies sorting through numerous resources. And another one that I think is the very strength of Mendeley is its sustainability which is commendable, as it does support seamless export of formats and extension for other reference management systems/tools. For example, whenever formats like .ris, you will be able to ensure compatibility with other reference tools if you do decide that you want to explore or just in general have a feel of what’s going to add better to your research. This feature of format compatibility ensures that if users wish to explore or switch to other tools, Mendeley serves as a reliable foundation.
Reference:
Reis, M. A. F., Favretto, J., Favretto, N. M., Favretto, L. M. H., & Dos Santos, R. P. (2022). Knowledge management in the classroom using Mendeley technology. The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 48(4), 102486.
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Looking back at my previous experiences while I was doing research, I find it very difficult to maintain an organized list of references. Thus, I think Mendeley would be the most helpful for me. I already used Mendeley before while doing my research project in senior high school. I have not yet fully maximized my usage of Mendeley since I did not have much time to explore the application yet. However, when I first used the application, it is easy to navigate. The application is clear and direct to the point. It has various functions that helps to easily navigate my different references.
Based on the reviews of my peers and other professors who has used Mendeley for their research, Mendeley is really helpful in organizing references by adding sources to folders. It also has the option to add your annotations to the document itself that helps when doing an extensive literature review. The application even helps gather all your notes from multiple PDFs.
Other than that, Mendeley offers an option to share your references with your peers, which is very helpful when collaborating with your groupmates for a research project. Mendeley also offers an output feature. The application helps create in-text citations and generate the reference list in Microsoft Word to decrease the work that the users need to do.
With these features, I believe that the use of Mendeley will be helpful in accomplishing my future research projects.
References:
Elsevier. (2024). Mendeley Reference Manager. Mendeley. https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/reference-manager/
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Based on the reviews of my peers and other professors who has used Mendeley for their research, Mendeley is really helpful in organizing references by adding sources to folders. It also has the option to add your annotations to the document itself that helps when doing an extensive literature review. The application even helps gather all your notes from multiple PDFs.
Other than that, Mendeley offers an option to share your references with your peers, which is very helpful when collaborating with your groupmates for a research project. Mendeley also offers an output feature. The application helps create in-text citations and generate the reference list in Microsoft Word to decrease the work that the users need to do.
With these features, I believe that the use of Mendeley will be helpful in accomplishing my future research projects.
References:
Elsevier. (2024). Mendeley Reference Manager. Mendeley. https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/reference-manager/
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Hello Rica!
Looks like we have a thing in common and I can't wait to actually explore more about Mendeley!
It's great that you've found Mendeley easy to navigate, even without fully exploring all its features. I hope that, as we continue to incorporate research articles and studies into our nursing interventions, we can make better use of this tool in the coming months, especially since we rely on evidence-based practice. I also believe that one of the strongest feature of this tool is its ability to generate citations and reference lists. This is so important because it helps us stay organize whenever creating our research paper.
Looks like we have a thing in common and I can't wait to actually explore more about Mendeley!
It's great that you've found Mendeley easy to navigate, even without fully exploring all its features. I hope that, as we continue to incorporate research articles and studies into our nursing interventions, we can make better use of this tool in the coming months, especially since we rely on evidence-based practice. I also believe that one of the strongest feature of this tool is its ability to generate citations and reference lists. This is so important because it helps us stay organize whenever creating our research paper.
Hello Rica, I completely agree that Mendeley's reference management features, like annotation, folder organization, and collaborative options, make it an ideal tool for simplifying and enhancing the research process, especially for keeping track of extensive sources.
Thank you for this insightful answer, Rica! You've given a fantastic overview of Mendeley, highlighting its user-friendly navigation, organization features, and collaborative tools with clear enthusiasm. Your thorough explanation of its benefits, especially for annotating, sharing, and automating citations, makes it easy to see why Mendeley could be a valuable choice for a project!
After navigating the three free reference tools, Zotero and Mendeley Reference Manager caught my attention. Since most of my classmates already delve with Zotero, I would like to elaborate more on the latter one.
Mendeley Reference Manager is designed for efficiently managing and organizing research references. I found the interface intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly, making it easy for new users to navigate. The tool allows us to categorize and organize journal articles, research papers, and other academic resources. Personally, I often find myself overwhelmed when dealing with a large number of references, making it challenging to keep everything in order. Mendeley’s features have greatly helped me categorize my references, allowing for a more efficient workflow. This organization has not only saved me time but also made it much easier to locate specific references when I need to revisit them to elaborate on my research.
One of Mendeley’s most valuable features is its collaborative capability, enabling users to share libraries, annotations, and notes with team members. In academic research, where collaboration is often essential, this functionality supports smoother teamwork and communication, allowing my research group to work more cohesively. In my experience, Mendeley has proven to be a highly effective tool that facilitates both individual study and collaborative research.
Reference:
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Mendeley Reference Manager is designed for efficiently managing and organizing research references. I found the interface intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly, making it easy for new users to navigate. The tool allows us to categorize and organize journal articles, research papers, and other academic resources. Personally, I often find myself overwhelmed when dealing with a large number of references, making it challenging to keep everything in order. Mendeley’s features have greatly helped me categorize my references, allowing for a more efficient workflow. This organization has not only saved me time but also made it much easier to locate specific references when I need to revisit them to elaborate on my research.
One of Mendeley’s most valuable features is its collaborative capability, enabling users to share libraries, annotations, and notes with team members. In academic research, where collaboration is often essential, this functionality supports smoother teamwork and communication, allowing my research group to work more cohesively. In my experience, Mendeley has proven to be a highly effective tool that facilitates both individual study and collaborative research.
Reference:
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Interesting choice Ms. Somatiza! Although I believe that all four tools in the websites provide almost the same opportunities for its users such as categorizing and organizing journal articles and sources, I do believe that these websites have their own strength. The key question here is which tool aligns best with user preferences for ease of use. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and I will surely check Mendeley Reference Manager and Zotero out :))
Hi Thea! I also considered those two references tool but still chose the one I am most comfortable using at. Thanks for these insights! I definitely should get out of my comfort zone and try using the references tools you mentioned and find out which suits me best.
Thank you for your insights, Thea! Mendeley Reference Manager sounds like a great tool for organizing and managing research, especially with its intuitive interface and collaborative features.
Thank you for this answer, Thea! Like you, Zotero has caught my attention also. Nonetheless, I am pleased to see that you have chosen to explore Mendeley and share its features to us. I agree that it also can be a wonderful tool for references!
I found your insights interesting, Thea! Your thoughts about the Mendeley reference tool is well thought out and informative. I agree with your assessment of the tool's user-friendly interface, which is a key strength, especially for new users.
In reply to Thea Somatiza
Re: Reference Tool and Justification
I completely relate to your struggles with managing large volumes of references, Thea. It can definitely get overwhelming! I also appreciate Mendeley’s collaborative features as they allow for a more coordinated effort among team members and at the same time ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Call me biased but among the four reference tools shown in Activity 1, no doubt, adding citations in a word document would have to be my go to in terms of access since one of the perks of having a UP mail account is also having an account in Microsoft therefore I do not need to pay for anything to access and utilize its perks. Moreover, there is an option in the microsoft word to “find a source,” therefore it provides a vast amount of content that can be usable in the research paper. In terms of adding and organizing the references, there is an option found in the tables above the word/document that have this option.
As a student nurse who regularly engages in research, Microsoft Word allows me to work efficiently in a paperless format. Having grown up with early exposure to technology, I find Microsoft Word to be easy to use and easy to navigate, making it my preferred tool.
reference: The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
As a student nurse who regularly engages in research, Microsoft Word allows me to work efficiently in a paperless format. Having grown up with early exposure to technology, I find Microsoft Word to be easy to use and easy to navigate, making it my preferred tool.
reference: The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Hi aniela! I can definitely see why Microsoft Word would be your go-to choice, especially with the added benefit of free access through your UP mail account. The built-in citation tools and the “Find a Source” feature make it incredibly convenient for research, allowing you to easily add and organize references without switching between different platforms. Given your familiarity with the interface and preference for a paperless workflow, it’s a solid choice for efficiency.
Same here, Aniela! Microsoft Word has been a big help to me from high school and up until now. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to understand and use. I would endorse their brand to other people of all educational levels as it makes learning and writing much easier. Its citation feature provides convenience to researchers everywhere. It is important for us to utilize all of its features so that we can get the most out of it.
This is relatable, Aniela! I too prefer working with apps that I find comfortable to navigate and explore. The simplicity of its features make Microsoft Word stand out for me among the other options and the familiarity I have gained from being a user of such also affects my perception and choice to continue choosing it. Loved how you also incorporated humor with your prompt, makes it even more relatable HAHAHA.
As a student nurse, I think that Mendeley is the best free reference tool for me. The feature I will require would be adding references feature. Having a lot of options in adding references especially automatic citation will help me in increasing my efficiency in work. Mendely has the feature that I want which is being able to automatically cite references by just pasting the link of the article and mendeley will do the work of citing the article for you.
REFERENCES:
Selecting a reference management tool. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item2_PG1585658190271
REFERENCES:
Selecting a reference management tool. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item2_PG1585658190271
You really bring up points that are relevant for us, Allen! The ability to automatically cite the articles we access will greatly streamline the process of researching and gathering information. Aside from this, the ease of use of these software may greatly discourage other students from succumbing to plagiarism.
I found Zotero's interface to be user friendly which is a must for me considering the amount of stress I already face in my day-to-day life. Aside from this, its ability to organize my references add to its stress-free experience along with its capacity to store files, I think it is perfect for me considering that I can be messy with my files most of the time.
References:
Selecting a reference management tool. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item2_PG1585658190271
References:
Selecting a reference management tool. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item2_PG1585658190271
In reply to Jerome Edrian Masbang
Re: Reference Tool and Justification
Hi, Jerome! I completely agree with you that an easy-to-use interface for a reference tool is a crucial thing to consider, especially when managing research papers. That’s why I also prefer using Zotero over all the other reference tools I’ve tried. It helps me stay organized and stress-free, which I think is something everyone can benefit from! :)
I have had my experience with using Mendeley as a reference tool, and I lean with it being the best for me among the other given tools. One key feature of this tool delves into the ease of use. Mendeley has a Cite-O-Matic feature that can be plugged into MS Word, which is helpful in automatic citation and generation of bibliographies at the end of the document.
It is also easy to organize references, as it allows for the creation of folders, subfolders, and descriptive tags.
Moreover, another feature of Mendeley that I like is the easy sharing of references and groups in relation to its web-based reference management. There are three specific levels of sharing across people and groups, which may be helpful, especially in our research and theses.
Lastly, the tool is also sustainable, given that there is an option to export in RIS format, and transfer files into other tools, as most tools accept this type of files.
References
It is also easy to organize references, as it allows for the creation of folders, subfolders, and descriptive tags.
Moreover, another feature of Mendeley that I like is the easy sharing of references and groups in relation to its web-based reference management. There are three specific levels of sharing across people and groups, which may be helpful, especially in our research and theses.
Lastly, the tool is also sustainable, given that there is an option to export in RIS format, and transfer files into other tools, as most tools accept this type of files.
References
Mendeley quick start guide. (n.d.). UCL LIbrary Services. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/sites/library/files/mendeley.pdf
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
In reply to Patricia Joy Antonette Ortiz
Re: Reference Tool and Justification
Hi Pat, I appreciate your rundown of all the significant features Mendeley offers! I had actually never heard of this reference tool before, but it's interesting that it has some very similar features to a tool I use, which is Zotero. However, I am actually unaware of whether or not Zotero offers sharing of references to other people, which seems like a very interesting and useful feature here. Based on what you've stated here, I'd be interested in trying Mendeley out as well and comparing it to Zotero.
Before entering college as a student nurse, I used Microsoft Word to write documents, especially for our research papers and investigatory projects. While I have prior experience with it, I am eager to explore its citation feature to enhance my academic writing.
Microsoft Word's built-in citation feature offers several advantages. With its built-in format in the document, its accessibility from my devices is already given. I already have an account that helps synchronize the documents from one device to another. I am also at ease with using Microsoft Word, given that I have experience with this tool. It would be easy for me to explore and comprehensively use the other built-in features that Microsoft Word has.
Apart from this, based on Microsoft Support, adding citations in this references tool offers navigable options. When references are repeated, there is an option to quickly insert the citation by just clicking which reference the text is from. This is very helpful for a student who is still yet to take the nursing research course. By using this tool, I can focus on the content of my academic paper rather than the technicalities and formatting of the citations
References:
Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft Support. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/resource/website:125729&f=29281
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Microsoft Word's built-in citation feature offers several advantages. With its built-in format in the document, its accessibility from my devices is already given. I already have an account that helps synchronize the documents from one device to another. I am also at ease with using Microsoft Word, given that I have experience with this tool. It would be easy for me to explore and comprehensively use the other built-in features that Microsoft Word has.
Apart from this, based on Microsoft Support, adding citations in this references tool offers navigable options. When references are repeated, there is an option to quickly insert the citation by just clicking which reference the text is from. This is very helpful for a student who is still yet to take the nursing research course. By using this tool, I can focus on the content of my academic paper rather than the technicalities and formatting of the citations
References:
Microsoft. (n.d.). Microsoft Support. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/resource/website:125729&f=29281
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Hi, Erika! I can say that you have raised significant points about your use of Microsoft Word. I personally don’t use this feature as much but through your discussion, I am inspired to use this more for future academic papers and other projects. Indeed, its citation feature aids students in writing a paper while taking into account proper citing of references at the same time. Thank you for your insights!
In reply to Erika Bernadette Mamauag
Re: Reference Tool and Justification
Thank you, Erika! I completely agree – Microsoft Word’s accessibility across devices is definitely a huge advantage. Since I’ve already used it for past papers, especially in high school for research and investigatory papers, I feel comfortable navigating its features. I’m also looking forward to exploring the citation tool more deeply!
You made a compelling choice for sticking with a tool you’re already comfortable with, especially since Word’s built-in citation features are accessible and straightforward. Your focus on ease of use and familiarity shows a smart approach—using a tool you know well allows you to concentrate on the content of your work, rather than on learning new software.
You also made a great point about the convenience of document syncing across devices, which is invaluable for a student with a busy schedule. Highlighting the quick insertion of repeated citations is a practical insight, especially as you’re preparing for your nursing research course. Overall, this answer really captures how Microsoft Word aligns with your needs and strengths as a student nurse, allowing you to work efficiently and confidently. Well done, Erika!
In reply to Erika Bernadette Mamauag
Re: Reference Tool and Justification
Hi, Erika! Given your familiarity with the tool, it sounds like a natural fit for organizing references efficiently.
Considering my experience as a student nurse and upon browsing the different free reference tools, I am leaning toward using Zotero. As student nurses, it is crucial to utilize a tool that is efficient for storing information and collaboration. From our clinical experiences, I have acquired that learning more about evidence-based practice is an essential and effective strategy for providing holistic care to our patients. Having storage for various references can help us in keeping high-yield information for current and future use. Zotero, given that it can be downloaded on our desktop and is compatible with various operating systems, can easily be accessible to students. Moreover, it can synchronize our data across devices if we prefer to do so, which promotes efficiency. Given the various data that we will need to store, whether they be references or articles, organization should also be ensured in a way that it is possible to assign keywords to each reference, which also facilitates efficient use. Another factor I considered is its sharing feature, which I perceive is needed when it comes to our tasks and responsibilities as student nurses. Since we are also about to take our Research course, having a tool that fosters collaboration and sharing among members is highly important to ensure that group members can organize information that is relevant to a chosen topic. Zotero also allows collaborating freely with colleagues and at no cost. With these considerations and features of Zotero, I perceive that this will be an efficient reference tool to be added to our list of resources that we can use to aid us in accomplishing our academic goals and tasks effectively.
I agree with you Arie! I specifically like its feature of collaborations since we have a lot of groupworks, I think Zotero would be really helpful. Additionally, our research course is drawing nearer so I think it would be a great tool to help us stay productive and organized.
That’s so true, Aira! I completely agree with your assessment of Zotero as an ideal reference tool for student nurses. Its ability to store and organize a wide variety of resources is essential for evidence-based practice, which, as you mentioned, is a cornerstone of providing holistic care. The synchronization feature is especially valuable, ensuring we can access our references across devices no matter where we are. I also share your appreciation for its organizational tools, such as assigning keywords to references, which makes retrieving information efficient, even when handling large amounts of data. Moreover, the collaboration feature is a standout benefit, particularly for group tasks and our upcoming Research course. Being able to share and organize references collectively will not only streamline our workflow but also promote teamwork, which is critical in both academic and clinical settings. Zotero truly seems like an invaluable resource for meeting the demands of our studies and professional development.
I am leaning towards using the reference tool Zotero. Upon clicking on it the first time, I was already engaged as I saw all its features that aligns correspondingly to my justifications.
About access, although I still need to download it, it will be just fine as it is compatible with the software I use and it also showed how I can download it on my personal phone through iOS which was convenient if something needs to be done urgently. Zotero also has the feature to synchronize data across devices which can keep data and information kept there up to date. Next is about content wherein Zotero is able to collect a wide range of materials as you access to search the web which can be helpful in researching information as the intended information will have a related scientific article. Next is adding references and organizing references; Zotero has a feature to cite in different styles and organize references into collections which can be tagged to be found easily. This feature is very helpful especially as a student nurse myself, I deal with a lot of tasks and learning responsibilities and indeed, having references too much at a time can be so overwhelming so Zotero having this feature would really be helpful in staying organized that can further help in learning and research. I also like its feature regarding collaboration since we also have a lot of group projects and tasks.
With these features mentioned, personally, I think Zotero would be really helpful as a nursing student whose learning must be backed with scientific evidence. Research and reference tools like this can help foster a good learning environment as it has a lot of convenience attached to its features.
I agree with you, Hannah. Right now, it’s also essential to consider if it's applicable and compatible with the software we’re already using, as it makes tasks easier when there’s compatibility. This is also based on my previous experiences with various applications.
Upon reviewing the provided applications, I would most likely utilize Zotero as a referencing tool. Its interface, upon first glance, is thoroughly straightforward and looks easy to navigate, which increased my interest in actually using the application. As of the current writing, I have been operating on my references through the use of Scribbr, which provides the following assistive services that are thoroughly essential in creating my requirements, ranging from creative writing, academic writing, and other nursing-related documents (i.e., care plans, medication management plans): citation generator, AI detector, and paraphrasing tools. Among the applications laid down for my choices, Zotero seems to be the one closest to my current convenience.
The features provided in Zotero, listed on its home page, include annotations, citations, and organization/sorting options. These kinds of assistive technologies provide ease in ensuring that my references are well-documented—hence, avoiding instances of failing to recall important citations and mistakes originating from disarray. Furthermore, it also helps me save time, considering that our requirements and other necessary documents are expected to be accomplished at a given time frame. With the assistance that these kinds of generators could provide, I am able to utilize my time wisely and allocate more effort into analysis, interpretation, and correlation of knowledge, instead of wasting them on manual labor of organizing my citations and references. Productivity and convenience are improved, thus, making my work more fulfilling and satisfying.
The features provided in Zotero, listed on its home page, include annotations, citations, and organization/sorting options. These kinds of assistive technologies provide ease in ensuring that my references are well-documented—hence, avoiding instances of failing to recall important citations and mistakes originating from disarray. Furthermore, it also helps me save time, considering that our requirements and other necessary documents are expected to be accomplished at a given time frame. With the assistance that these kinds of generators could provide, I am able to utilize my time wisely and allocate more effort into analysis, interpretation, and correlation of knowledge, instead of wasting them on manual labor of organizing my citations and references. Productivity and convenience are improved, thus, making my work more fulfilling and satisfying.
Hi, Lynze! I completely agree with you. By saving time with Zotero, we can focus more on the significant aspects of our duty papers. I'm looking forward to navigating this tool more to help us with our case reports.
As someone who finds disorganized references, particularly those lacking proper labels, overwhelming, I find Zotero to be an invaluable tool for managing citations. Zotero efficiently organizes sources, allows for keyword assignments, and offers great flexibility, especially when working with various research software. Additionally, it is highly collaborative in nature, which is very much crucial at every step of the research process.
In terms of access, Zotero is compatible in Mac, Windows, Linux, and IOS, and its data can be backed up and accessed through various devices. It can also read existing citations created through the same software and Mendeley Desktop word processors. More so, I can also import my my citations from Microsoft Word or Google Docs, to the Zotero Library, which are my most frequently used software.
As a first-time user, I found Zotero's interface intuitive and user-friendly. The "Quick Links" tab provides easy access to helpful resources for users who may need assistance, and the tool is organized to meet the needs of researchers. Other than this, Zotero as an open source makes me feel at ease as I would be confident that there would be hidden fees accompanied by it and that all my data are kept confidential.
In terms of access, Zotero is compatible in Mac, Windows, Linux, and IOS, and its data can be backed up and accessed through various devices. It can also read existing citations created through the same software and Mendeley Desktop word processors. More so, I can also import my my citations from Microsoft Word or Google Docs, to the Zotero Library, which are my most frequently used software.
As a first-time user, I found Zotero's interface intuitive and user-friendly. The "Quick Links" tab provides easy access to helpful resources for users who may need assistance, and the tool is organized to meet the needs of researchers. Other than this, Zotero as an open source makes me feel at ease as I would be confident that there would be hidden fees accompanied by it and that all my data are kept confidential.
I agree with you, Miky! I also appreciate its flexibility in reading existing citations and importing citations and bibliographies to different software/applications. I also agree with how you describe the tool — intuitive and user-friendly. Since we are just first-time users of the application, I know that we can still find more features hidden within the software.
I can totally relate to your frustration with disorganized references, especially when they lack proper labeling. It really can feel overwhelming trying to manage all the sources, so I agree that Zotero is a game-changer in that regard. Its ability to organize sources with keywords and tags, and its compatibility with so many different research tools, makes it a powerful tool for any researcher, especially when you have to juggle multiple software systems.
Hi! I love how software like this is now available. This is very helpful for us, students, especially since we work on documents and take issues of plagiarism seriously. I also like how it makes everything easier for us since I used to do citations manually. Thank you for sharing its feature, Miky!
At first, I considered sticking with Microsoft Word for managing references since I already have it installed on my devices. I also believe that it’s widely accessible across most devices. However, after exploring the features of Zotero with the guidance of my friend who has been using it already for years, I am now leaning towards using it due to its appealing features which include accessibility, ease of adding references and organizing references, storage options, and ease of use.
One feature of Zotero that I particularly like is that it’s free and easy to download. The entire installation process only took about five minutes and there is no need to create an account to start using it which makes it more convenient. I like how I can easily add references by simply clicking a few buttons on Google Chrome and Zotero automatically stores those references directly from the internet. I feel like it is a time-saver when gathering sources for research or duty papers.
Additionally, the tool allows me to organize my references based on specific topics or papers. I can create different folders to keep everything sorted which makes it much easier to locate the sources when needed. Instead of opening and sifting through multiple tabs which can be confusing and hassle, I would rather use Zotero since it keeps everything organized, offering a more streamlined and efficient way to manage my duty papers and research.
One feature of Zotero that I particularly like is that it’s free and easy to download. The entire installation process only took about five minutes and there is no need to create an account to start using it which makes it more convenient. I like how I can easily add references by simply clicking a few buttons on Google Chrome and Zotero automatically stores those references directly from the internet. I feel like it is a time-saver when gathering sources for research or duty papers.
Additionally, the tool allows me to organize my references based on specific topics or papers. I can create different folders to keep everything sorted which makes it much easier to locate the sources when needed. Instead of opening and sifting through multiple tabs which can be confusing and hassle, I would rather use Zotero since it keeps everything organized, offering a more streamlined and efficient way to manage my duty papers and research.
I have the same insights, Gianella! Zotero is truly a lifesaver for being both useful and free. I think you should also try out its features to save PDFs as this can further reduce the hassle of managing sources.
Based on others' reviews and a quick visit on the different sources, I find Zotero to be the ideal reference management tool. It's mainly due to the ease of accessing and learning its features and the apparent ease of use. Zotero's functions align well with my needs, such as organizing sources, generating precise citations, and managing references efficiently. This reliability is essential in meeting the academic standards I am faced with and avoiding citation errors, helping me prevent potential plagiarism issues.
With a user-friendly interface, Zotero provides a streamlined, stress-free experience that suits the efficiency I am looking for in a "research-assistant". Its ability to organize my references and store files also supports my often scattered approach to file management, making it a perfect choice for maintaining academic integrity and managing my workload effectively.
Source
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
With a user-friendly interface, Zotero provides a streamlined, stress-free experience that suits the efficiency I am looking for in a "research-assistant". Its ability to organize my references and store files also supports my often scattered approach to file management, making it a perfect choice for maintaining academic integrity and managing my workload effectively.
Source
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
I agree with you, Raf! As a busy student nurse, we really need to rely on software that can help speed up our tasks while also helping us stay organized.
Reference tools are innovative programs that optimize management of research citations and information. As a long-time user of various reference tools, I can say that I lean towards Zotero as they offer a great user experience while having an extensive selection of features that significantly streamline the process of managing references.
Zotero is the program that I have personally used for a few years, and so far, it has helped organize the numerous journal articles that I have needed for care plans and the like. First, it is easily accessible through a simple download and is compatible with Google Chrome extensions. Moreover, it greatly reduces the time I spend citing sources as it automatically stores all required data for citations and sometimes even saves a PDF copy of the text. Another feature that I find extremely helpful is the folders and subfolders. These have helped me organize my references according to academic year, semester, and course. Finally, it is also able to generate both in-text and bibliographic citations with various output formats, such as copying them to a clipboard and saving them as HTML.
I agree with you, Mika! I think it will be efficient to use Zotero since it saves so much time. I haven't actually tried using it but I believe it will be useful in developing my nursing care plans and finding EBP journals.
Based on trying different reference management tools, I find Microsoft Word to be the most suitable free tool for my needs. First, its accessibility and ease of use make it ideal. Having used Microsoft Word for over a decade, I am very familiar with the interface, which is both straightforward and readily available on my laptop and mobile devices.
Microsoft Word is especially beneficial for academic writing due to its built-in citation management feature, which allows me to easily add and organize references in APA format. This functionality simplifies the process of managing and formatting citations for journal articles. Additionally, Microsoft Word enables easy sharing, allowing me to collaborate seamlessly with my groupmates.
Microsoft Word is especially beneficial for academic writing due to its built-in citation management feature, which allows me to easily add and organize references in APA format. This functionality simplifies the process of managing and formatting citations for journal articles. Additionally, Microsoft Word enables easy sharing, allowing me to collaborate seamlessly with my groupmates.
Great insight, Coco! It’s definitely convenient to have everything in one place, especially if you’re already familiar with Word's interface.
Microsoft Word’s various citation functions and its ability to manage references in documents are incredibly helpful for me as a student nurse. It includes a feature that allows for citations in APA, MLA, or Chicago styles with just a few clicks. Additionally, it also helps me find sources quickly, making it easier for me to add credible sources to my work. Plus, let's not forget the added benefit of accessing Word through my UP email account, since it allows me to utilize its features without having to pay for anything making it convenient and cost-effective choice for my academic needs.
Reference:
Selecting a reference management tool. (2020). The Open University. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/accessible/accessible-pdf-124-selecting-a-reference-management-tool.pdf
Reference:
Selecting a reference management tool. (2020). The Open University. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/accessible/accessible-pdf-124-selecting-a-reference-management-tool.pdf
Great points, Rhana! Microsoft Word’s built-in citation tools are truly a convenient option, especially with the ability to access it through our UP accounts for free.
We share the same insight, Rhana! Personally, there are still times where I struggle on how to cite a source properly in APA format and so Microsoft Word's feature would surely help with this problem! Proper utilization of this would indeed be of great help for us, student nurses!
I love that you brought this up, Rhana! I do think that Microsoft Word really does give us an ounce of convenience with the features it offers. Given that this platform is widely used by us, nursing students, I do believe that having a built-in citation feature in the document where we also work on our inputs from different sources really makes the task easier. Not to mention that it's free when we use our UP Mail.
You are lucky to have found and used Mendeley before, Rica. Hopefully, you may be able to further maximize its features as you progress in your journey as a nursing student. Even if my personal choice for this forum is Zotero, I still have not settled, because I am still exploring the other tools. They all have their pros and cons, but all of them are helpful.
As a student nurse navigating the demands of academic research, I find Zotero to be an especially fitting reference management tool for my needs. Zotero’s user-friendly features streamline my research process, from accessing resources across multiple devices to organizing and sharing references. The tool's browser extension is particularly useful, allowing me to capture and save citations directly from online sources with a single click. This is invaluable for nursing students who regularly pull data from a variety of health and academic databases.
One of Zotero's standout features is its flexibility in organizing references, making it easy to categorize sources into different folders for various assignments or research projects. For a student nurse balancing clinical responsibilities and academic requirements, Zotero offers both the practical features and future-proofing that make it a reliable companion throughout my studies.
One of Zotero's standout features is its flexibility in organizing references, making it easy to categorize sources into different folders for various assignments or research projects. For a student nurse balancing clinical responsibilities and academic requirements, Zotero offers both the practical features and future-proofing that make it a reliable companion throughout my studies.
Out of the 4 free reference tools mentioned, the mere tool that I am familiar with is utilizing Microsoft Word, making it my preferred tool to utilize. Since I am already familiar with the layout of Microsoft Word, this also makes it fairly easier for me to navigate the various tools that Microsoft Word is able to offer, thus, ease of use. Microsoft Word’s purpose of being able to add citations easily in a word document makes it relatively easier for us, student nurses, to navigate through the various sources that we utilize in creating our papers. With this, it enables us to not have the trouble of going through everything or forgetting where you have inputted the citation related to the information gathered.
Hi, Alyssa! Just like you, I am most familiar with utilizing Microsoft Word! I totally agree with you—it’s such a reliable tool for writing and organizing ideas. The formatting options, spell check, and ease of adding tables or images make it super convenient for assignments. Plus, the fact that it’s widely accessible and easy to share with others for collaboration really adds to its value, especially when working on group projects or peer reviews. For me, it’s a tool I’ve always trusted to get my work done efficiently.
Hi Alyssa! Your preference for Microsoft Word as a reference tool is both practical and insightful. It's familiarity and layout allows proper citation management which is helpful for us student nurses who handle multiple sources in their academic papers. This tool ensures efficiency and reduces the risk of misplacing references which allows us to have a better writing experience.
From my experience, I learned that easy access and ease of use are the most important features I have to consider when I am choosing a specific reference tool given my limited digital skills and resources. With this, I am leaning towards the use of adding citations in Microsoft Word because it goes well with the advantages we have on having our Microsoft accounts as students under the UP system. Additionally, the ease of use of adding citations in Microsoft Word is straightforward, allowing students like me to quickly learn the tool and be guided by the comprehensive and simple instructions offered by their help section and online resources. Its simplicity enables us to learn the tool quickly.
While adding references may have to be done manually, Microsoft Word offers tools like “Find a Source” to discover various articles which may be useful and can be added as new references for our content. Furthermore, it also offers customization of reference styles that can be tailored to match what I need. Finally, using this tool is enough and appropriate for referencing peer-reviewed articles, which are the most common type of materials I use for my tasks and research.
Word count: 197 words
References:
Add citations in a Word document - Microsoft Support. (n.d.). https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/add-citations-in-a-word-document-ab9322bb-a8d3-47f4-80c8-63c06779f127?ui=en-us&rs=en-gb&ad=gb
Selecting a reference management tool. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item6_PG1585658190271
While adding references may have to be done manually, Microsoft Word offers tools like “Find a Source” to discover various articles which may be useful and can be added as new references for our content. Furthermore, it also offers customization of reference styles that can be tailored to match what I need. Finally, using this tool is enough and appropriate for referencing peer-reviewed articles, which are the most common type of materials I use for my tasks and research.
Word count: 197 words
References:
Add citations in a Word document - Microsoft Support. (n.d.). https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/add-citations-in-a-word-document-ab9322bb-a8d3-47f4-80c8-63c06779f127?ui=en-us&rs=en-gb&ad=gb
Selecting a reference management tool. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item6_PG1585658190271
I agree with you, Mr. Fababier! You were able to bring a new perspective to me regarding Microsoft Word and its convenience because we have MS accounts with our UP Mails. I just really had a difficult time using that feature before because I was not well-versed with the function. However, now that you discussed its efficiency and convenience, I am well convinced that Microsoft really made a beneficial update on Microsoft Word features because of this specification. I am now excited to try it on my next citations. :)
I love the adjective you used to describe (straightforward) the totality of the platform as it really constitutes to a user-friendly experience, Ky! Plus, there really are instructions available online which can help smoothen the process and save time. I do think that this is essential for us, student nurses, who does not have all the luxury of time to learn tools.
As a student nurse, I believe the most convenient free reference tool I am leaning towards using is Zotero. Looking at its interface, I believe it offers a great layout for easy use and accessible citations including the files being cited, as available. Moreover, Zotero’s tools could easily be navigated given the very recognizable icons and a function that is similar to other applications for file storage, which allows for easy managing and organizing of references. It also provides us a very detailed information on the file being cited such as the author’s information, ISDN, direct object identifier, title, URL, and other pertinent information that comply with the requirements of proper citation to avoid plagiarism issues.
Given the features of Zotero that could be easily managed and navigated, it signifies that even though Zotero is a new platform for citations, it is not a difficult thing to learn and be comfortable with. I believe this is a very important factor of citation generators or file storage apps since users’ satisfaction with the platforms’ effectiveness as a reference tool determines their success.
Word count: 180
References:
Zotero | Your personal research assistant. (n.d.). https://www.zotero.org/
Given the features of Zotero that could be easily managed and navigated, it signifies that even though Zotero is a new platform for citations, it is not a difficult thing to learn and be comfortable with. I believe this is a very important factor of citation generators or file storage apps since users’ satisfaction with the platforms’ effectiveness as a reference tool determines their success.
Word count: 180
References:
Zotero | Your personal research assistant. (n.d.). https://www.zotero.org/
This is a fruitful insight, Austine! I may have to check Zotero given the advantages you stated. While I was initially overwhelmed by tis interface, looking into its icons and proper citation tools to avoid plagiarism issues, it may truly offer a great opportunity for us student nurses to have an efficient time and proper citation for research. With this in mind, you might also want to check out adding citations in Microsoft Word as they have very similar capacities in the aspects being discussed.
Back in high school, I thought using Microsoft Word’s citation tool for research papers was a game-changer since most of my classmates did not even know about the feature. Looking back, though, it feels pretty primitive and basic compared to the reference tools available today. I do not even use Microsoft Word much these days since as a student nurse, collaboration is so important and Google Docs is a much better fit for that.
Out of all the reference tools, I am leaning toward using Zotero because I can easily access the app and extension through my Ipad which is my main device. I also appreciate its easy-to-navigate interface and features like sorting and filtering references by file name, author name, date published, date added, publisher, or through tags, or by searching specific words across all documents. It also lets users add personal notes and freehand annotation, which is helpful for creating annotated bibliographies. It can also generate citations and bibliographies in different formats and journal styles. I have not personally explored Zotero’s sharing options, yet. And so far, I have only explored importing PDFs and pptx files.
I completely understand what you mean about Microsoft Word’s citation tool feeling basic now, especially with the more advanced options available today. I think it’s great that you’ve recognized how collaboration has shifted your tool preferences—Google Docs really does make working together so much easier, especially when you’re juggling group projects or clinical studies.
As a student nurse, I find Zotero to be a valuable reference tool due to its accessibility, ease of use, and organizational features. One of the primary reasons I lean towards using Zotero is its ability to efficiently collect and manage research sources, which is crucial when I need to gather evidence for assignments, or even when researching patient care topics. The platform allows you to save articles, books, and other scholarly materials from a wide range of academic databases with just a few clicks, and it automatically generates citations in various styles, saving me time and effort. Zotero's intuitive interface makes it easy to organize references into collections, ensuring that I can keep track of resources based on specific topics or assignments. Additionally, the tool’s accessibility across multiple devices means I can access my library of references anywhere, whether I’m studying at home or during clinical practice. This flexibility allows me to stay organized and up-to-date, no matter where I am, which is especially important as I juggle different responsibilities as a student nurse. The ability to easily share resources with classmates or colleagues further enhances its value, making Zotero not only an efficient tool for individual use but also a collaborative one.
Amongst the free reference tools provided in the activity, I’m most inclined towards using Zotero, especially as I have previous experience in using it. When writing papers wherein I make use of several different resources, I find Zotero especially useful in managing and organizing all my references.
A feature I especially appreciate in using Zotero is that it is accessible on various platforms, particularly from web browsers and desktop applications. Because it can sync and store data online, it makes it easy for me to access my references with different devices as information is not only stored locally. Most of all, I enjoy how Zotero adds and organizes references. To add references, I simply need to click the shortcut button on the website or paste the website link onto the Zotero site or application. Organizing references are similarly easy, as I can put references in different collections and subfolders simply by drag-and-clicking. Admittedly, I have not explored the organization system of Zotero in depth as I have not found the need for it yet, but I do believe there are available options for adding notes and tags to different references. I personally see all these features as some of the most important to consider when choosing a reference tool – because of this, I think Zotero would be the most appropriate reference tool for me to use.
References
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
As a student nurse, I would choose Zotero from the four free reference tools listed in Activity #1, page 3, because of its convenience and accessibility. This tool is free, works both online and offline, and is ideal for students who need flexible access.
Capturing web-based bibliographic information is simplified with the Zotero extension. You can save citations, articles, PDFs, and web pages to your Zotero library by simply clicking the Zotero button in the browser toolbar. Zotero also automatically gathers bibliographic details, allowing saved sources to be easily viewed, edited, and organized.
References:
ZoteroVideo (2011). Zotero: Introduction [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjpYtqZCtxU&t=2s
Among the reference management tools presented in the activity, my interest was piqued by Zotero. Upon exploring more about Zotero from various feedbacks and user experiences in the internet, I can say that this is indeed an excellent tool for us, students nurses, as a reference management tool due to its wide range of useful features. Since it supports cloud-based access, transport and synchronization across devices would definitely be easier. Zotero also supports various types of contents, such as but not limited to: journal articles, books, and clinical guidelines. Another amazing feature of Zotero is its one-click citation capture, which is really time-efficient for students. In terms of organizing references, Zotero offers collections and tags for efficiency. Lastly, its collaboration feature is also a great aspect especially for projects involving groups.
When I was in high school, I can recall my teacher introducing the citation feature of Google Scholar. In those days, I was not particularly fond of using it because we were trained to do it manually to learn how to cite references on our own properly, without assistance. But now that I regularly encounter it, I find it really intriguing to learn how it works deeply.
As nursing students, we are run on by the documents we create not only for academic requirements, but also for the care of our patients. Wherein, the information we use necessitates citation to instill the credibility of the output. In this sense, the accessibility of different citation styles that are embedded makes it more easier to select on what is required. Upon trying, I find it convenient because, seeing how it works, it can definitely hit two birds with one stone–provide references and cite references.
References:
As nursing students, we are run on by the documents we create not only for academic requirements, but also for the care of our patients. Wherein, the information we use necessitates citation to instill the credibility of the output. In this sense, the accessibility of different citation styles that are embedded makes it more easier to select on what is required. Upon trying, I find it convenient because, seeing how it works, it can definitely hit two birds with one stone–provide references and cite references.
References:
- The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
Thank you for sharing this, Jess! I didn’t know Google Scholar had a citation feature. I would like to give it a try next time :)
I lean toward using Zotero to manage my academic references based upon my experience with several reference systems. Even though I presently use a different product that isn't included in the activity, Zotero is a familiar and easy-to-use option. As claimed, it offers a simple and cost-free way to gather, arrange, annotate, cite, and distribute research materials. One benefit of Zotero is that it can generate instant citations and bibliographies in various platforms, which is plus points for accessibility and sustainability. It also claims to support more than 9,000 citation styles, which allows users to easily align to particular guidelines when making their references.
Furthermore, synchronization between devices is an optional feature of Zotero that enables seamless updating of files, notes, and bibliographic entries. When synchronized, this function allows web browser access to research from any place. Strong organizing features of the application include the ability to tag items with keywords, sort them into collections, and automatically arrange them using saved searches that return pertinent results. One particular tool of Zotero is its collaborative feature, which is noteworthy for me since it allows sharing with other users – great for group activities that call for collaborative and coordinative effort.
All things considered, Zotero's accessibility, content, sustainability, storage, organizational flexibility, and collaborative capabilities make it an ideal option for me to efficiently organize and also exchange reference materials not only in individual settings but also for collaborative contexts.
References:
- Zotero. (2024). Zotero | Your personal research assistant. Zotero.org. https://www.zotero.org/
- The Open University. (2020). Selecting a reference management tool. Open.ac.uk. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149
We have the same sentiments, Pauline! Zotero’s various features go beyond basic citations, which makes it very helpful for us student nurses, especially in the aspect of accessibility and long-term usage. It does not only create a citation for one-time use but instead allows us to store them. Its accessibility across different platforms is also the main reason why I chose this myself.
Before Google Docs was a thing, I always used Microsoft Word in doing academic papers. But ever since my nursing journey, I seldom used Microsoft Word. However, upon rediscovering it through today’s asynchronous session, I find Microsoft Word’s built-in citation tool to be the most practical and accessible reference tool. First and foremost, it requires very little time to learn (at least for someone like me who's already familiar with navigating the UI of Microsoft Word) and offers ample online support and resources. I particularly appreciate that Microsoft Word Citation does not require any additional downloads, and the app syncs easily with OneDrive, so I can access my documents and references from any device
The tool’s automatic in-text citation and bibliography generation are particularly useful, as they save me the time of manually formatting each entry, especially when I need to follow specific citation styles like APA. Moreover, if slight customization is needed for a reference style, I can easily adjust it directly within the document.
Lastly, since Microsoft Word is widely adopted and likely to remain supported long-term, I feel confident in its sustainability as a reference tool.
References
Add citations in a Word document. (n.d.). Microsoft Support. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/add-citations-in-a-word-document-ab9322bb-a8d3-47f4-80c8-63c06779f127?ui=en-us&rs=en-gb&ad=gb
The tool’s automatic in-text citation and bibliography generation are particularly useful, as they save me the time of manually formatting each entry, especially when I need to follow specific citation styles like APA. Moreover, if slight customization is needed for a reference style, I can easily adjust it directly within the document.
Lastly, since Microsoft Word is widely adopted and likely to remain supported long-term, I feel confident in its sustainability as a reference tool.
References
Add citations in a Word document. (n.d.). Microsoft Support. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/add-citations-in-a-word-document-ab9322bb-a8d3-47f4-80c8-63c06779f127?ui=en-us&rs=en-gb&ad=gb
Nursing as a practice should be founded on evidence-based data. Since the first year as Nursing students, we are trained to integrate journal articles in our case reports, outputs, and presentations. I find Mendeley to be promising in helping me manage all the references I use when writing. One feature I appreciate in Mendeley is how it shows up in every online journals I access. Since it also acts as an extension in web browsers, gathering all references I used is easier, and it reduces the risk for accidentally forgetting a reference. It's convenient, and saves my time.
References:
- Reference management software. Mendeley. (n.d.). https://www.mendeley.com/
- The Open University. (2020). Selecting a reference management tool. Open.ac.uk. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149
How interesting! I also value the convenience of a reference tool that can easily be accessed as browser extensions. Mendeley is indeed a promising application.
As a student nurse, I want to utilize Zotero as my research helper. Starting with its interface, it appears to be adapting its user-friendly marketing, which can assist students in collecting, organizing, annotating, and sharing information (Zotero, n.d.). It is also easy to use and compatible with my device, as specific websites or applications are not free to download or require payment. As a student who needs to read various articles for references, I need to organize them so that they are easier to find if necessary for current or future usage. Another essential aspect is that I could freely collaborate with my batchmates while disseminating things and sharing them with as many people as possible. It appears like Zotero is comparable to Google Docs but with more features.
References from other websites are not always instantly saved on the device, which might be inconvenient if I accidentally close journal articles. Zotero also instantly cites webpages, which is extremely handy when time is short.
References:
Zotero. (n.d.). Your Personalresearch assistant. https://www.zotero.org/
References from other websites are not always instantly saved on the device, which might be inconvenient if I accidentally close journal articles. Zotero also instantly cites webpages, which is extremely handy when time is short.
References:
Zotero. (n.d.). Your Personalresearch assistant. https://www.zotero.org/
Your perspective on Zotero is insightful! As a student nurse, Zotero can really enhance our research efficiency by providing a centralized platform for managing and organizing references. Utilizing tools like Zotero can indeed save time, an important factor given the demands of our course.
I agree with you, Anne. Zotero's collaboration features and its integration with Google Docs, which we often use for group-related papers, make it a valuable tool. The ability to easily organize and share references is helpful for us, nursing students, especially when working on a task together.
As a student nurse frequently required to cite references for academic papers, I find Zotero to be an ideal tool. Its accessibility, compatibility, and its expansive community support make it a compelling choice.
Researching related literature is a crucial part of my studies. Zotero’s extensive database and ability to easily cite sources, even those that can be challenging to find with other tools, significantly streamline this process.
Moreover, its integration with Google Docs and Microsoft Word aligns perfectly with my workflow, enhancing my productivity and ensuring accurate citations in all my academic work.
We share the same insights, Kate! The features of Zotero that we have discovered could really significantly enhance our productivity while also reducing the risk of academic misconduct. I also find its collaborative features efficient for teamwork and knowledge sharing. Let me know if you have more Zotero tips and tricks that could help us optimize our workflow. I would be interested in learning more about this website.
Hee is one more tip: consider using Zotero's web clipper to save entire web pages or articles. This can be helpful for capturing information that isn't easily cited through traditional methods.
As a student nurse, I needed the right reference tool to not only accurately create citations but to also store them in an efficient and accessible manner. Initially, I assumed that the best choice was Microsoft Word because I have used the program for years now. However, looking through the free reference tools, I would most likely utilize Zotero because its interface, apart from looking easy to use, is indeed user-friendly, even for first-time users. Unlike Microsoft Word, where the citations are manually inputted, Zotero automatically draws data from varied sources. All I have to do is click on my selected references, and Zotero will automatically create citations and a bibliography with many citation styles at my disposal. In nursing, where there are large volumes of references, this feature of Zotero saves time while still ensuring accuracy.
Zotero is also accessible across different platforms. I can add it as an extension to applications such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word. This gives me the freedom to choose what application we prefer for creating our document while still obtaining the benefits of using Zotero. It can also be synced on other devices. That is, I can have my work available even when I am far from my laptop. The feature allows me to gain access to my files from my phone if needed.
Zotero is also accessible across different platforms. I can add it as an extension to applications such as Google Docs and Microsoft Word. This gives me the freedom to choose what application we prefer for creating our document while still obtaining the benefits of using Zotero. It can also be synced on other devices. That is, I can have my work available even when I am far from my laptop. The feature allows me to gain access to my files from my phone if needed.
References:
- The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#page3
-
Zotero | Your personal research assistant. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.zotero.org/
Research has been an integral part of the nursing field as this is where nursing practice is based, hence “evidence-based.” In this time of the 21st century wherein several advancements in technology are made, many studies and researches are made more accessible and are easier to seek with the help of the internet. From my experience as a student nurse, it is without a doubt that I’ve done simple research about a particular topic to further support my arguments and claims whenever writing a paper or even a short essay. Whenever related literature is needed to back up my answers, I would search for many articles as possible on the internet and go through them each, typing each topic with their respective links on my Notepad app.
This lecture on Bibliographic management in Nursing Informatics is an eye opener for me as I did not know there was such thing that could help me organize my references and articles. The Open University (n.d.) recommended three reference managements tools to utilize namely EndNote, Mendeley, and Zotero. Out of the three of them, Mendeley caught my attention. The Open University (n.d.) also outlined nine features of reference managements tools that one may consider on which tool to use. As a person who feels like a “boomer” sometimes as there are times when I don’t know how certain applications or websites work or I get so confused with their user interface, Mendeley’s user interface seems direct to the point and less confusing in line with its purpose of organizing reference lists, thus it ticked off the “Ease of Use” and “Organising references” features. I have yet to discover the other features it ticks off but this tool seems promising to me as a new user.
REFERENCES:
The Open University (n.d.) Selecting a reference management tool.
https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#page1
This lecture on Bibliographic management in Nursing Informatics is an eye opener for me as I did not know there was such thing that could help me organize my references and articles. The Open University (n.d.) recommended three reference managements tools to utilize namely EndNote, Mendeley, and Zotero. Out of the three of them, Mendeley caught my attention. The Open University (n.d.) also outlined nine features of reference managements tools that one may consider on which tool to use. As a person who feels like a “boomer” sometimes as there are times when I don’t know how certain applications or websites work or I get so confused with their user interface, Mendeley’s user interface seems direct to the point and less confusing in line with its purpose of organizing reference lists, thus it ticked off the “Ease of Use” and “Organising references” features. I have yet to discover the other features it ticks off but this tool seems promising to me as a new user.
REFERENCES:
The Open University (n.d.) Selecting a reference management tool.
https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#page1
Hi Ashanti! I was intrigued, so I checked Mendeley out. I totally agree with you—Mendeley’s user-friendly interface is a huge plus, especially for those of us who aren’t very tech-savvy. I also find the ability to organize references efficiently a game-changer. Similar to Microsoft Word's citation tool, it’s definitely a time-saver when working on research papers. I haven't explored everything yet, but I’m excited to try it out as well! Thanks for sharing your insights.
Out of the four specified free reference tools on the website, I believe that the citation tool in Microsoft Word is the most convenient and solid choice for us student nurses. The university offers a free Microsoft 365 account, compatible with both Windows and Mac, allowing us to utilize the perks that come with it. I have been provided with a Microsoft 365 account and appreciate the ease of access and storage it offers. Microsoft Word is a cloud-based software that enables us to pick up and continue our work seamlessly from any device. It can also be shared online, if saved in OneDrive, which allows users to collaborate and share documents with others, including sources and references. Furthermore, the citation tool is a key feature integrated into Microsoft Word and does not require any additional software. A user can generate an in-text citation and a reference list in styles such as the APA, MLA, and Chicago style and can store citation information for use in future documents. It is also user-friendly and easy to learn (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, 2024). Hence, this is the tool I am leaning towards using.
Reference
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. (2024, August 27). Guides: Citation Management Software: Citations Using Microsoft Word. SAIT School Guides. https://libguides.sait.ca/citationsoftware/wordcitation
Hi Aira! I completely agree that the citation tool in Microsoft Word is a highly convenient and practical choice for student nurses, as it provides seamless access, easy collaboration, and integrated citation options—all essential features for efficient academic work.
As a student nurse, I prioritize access quality and ease of use when selecting free reference tools. Thus, I am leaning toward Mendeley as an accessible reference tool as it can be adequately accessed from any device and application through phone, tablet, or computer. Moreover, it allows the end-user to organize, search, and read references in one place, manage multiple files, and cite seamlessly. This enhances convenience and practicality, making it easier for me as a student nurse to organize and access data.
Reference:
Mendeley reference manager. Mendeley. (n.d.). https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/reference-manager/
Hi, Nen! Thank you for sharing the features of Mendeley. Honestly, I really prefer maximizing the convenience Microsoft Word offers. However, seeing what Mendeley can provide, I am considering exploring its key features especially since we are to take our research course.
Zotero is a great choice for managing references as a student nurse because it’s easy to use and full of features that make organizing information simple. One of its best features is that it automatically creates citations and reference lists in various formats, like APA or MLA. This saves time and ensures my work is accurate. It also helps keep my work organized. This tool can sort articles, journals, and studies into different folders, which is convenient when working on several topics. Moreover, another helpful feature is browser integration, allowing you to save articles while being online. This is a big time-saver when gathering sources from multiple websites. Zotero also promotes collaboration which is indeed part of our learning as student nurses.
As a nursing student, I am leaning toward using Zotero over the other free references tools as its features align with my needs for research and academic writing. Firstly, Zotero’s browser extension makes it effortless to add references information directly from web pages with just one click, which is invaluable for quickly collecting sources as I research for my nursing care plan. Organizing references has also never been easier, especially when there are many patients from different wards with different needs to take care of. Thus, Zotero makes it ideal to do my homework that may span several sources. Last, but not the least, would be its output wherein I can quickly create and accurately modify bibliographies.
Reference:
Quick_start_guide [Zotero Documentation]. (n.d.). Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
From the suggested free reference tools, I find myself leaning towards using Zotero more than the others. Prior to learning about the different applications dedicated to citation and references, I heard and read about Zotero a couple of times as one of the highly regarded productivity tools, especially during the pandemic when all of my subjects from my previous course (Biology ) earning assessment required use of articles published on websites. I think that both Zotero and Mendeley offer similar features that I value in citation and references, which are primarily ease of navigation through the application, availability on Google Chrome extensions, and ease of access to the articles.
I prefer Zotero primarily due to its better integration of opening cited articles, which makes it easier to revisit different sources when needed. I also like the feature on Zotero where I can just highlight a group of references from a collection and export them as a file or input from the clipboard, which I use most of the time for organizing references from the body of the paper itself.
As for the specific features, elaborated on page 2 of the activity, I think the most important features would be the access, storage, content, organizing references, and output. For full disclosure, I have only compared Mendeley and Zotero, as from my personal research they are two of the most widely used citation generators in academic studies. My sources for comparing the applications are based on the websites of the citation applications and YouTube channels dedicated to reviewing productivity applications. For the access feature, I value the availability of the citation application to be accessed online either on phone, tablet, or desktop as it makes it available for the work to be done on the go. Moreover, there’s a Google Chrome extension for either Zotero or Mendeley; however, Zotero’s extension is much highly rated, where one click of the extension adds the journal article to the database in the citation tools. Connected to the access feature is storage; I value the option to keep saved references available offline to eliminate lack of internet as reasons for unproductivity. I also value the ability of citation applications to easily present the PDF files for the references and create integrated annotations. Organizing references is also an essential feature that I think enhances efficiency and lessens the experience of friction during paper writing as I want to focus solely on the flow of ideas. Perhaps, one of the most important features that I value in citation generators is the ability to perform multiple types of output, may it be in a PDF file or in the clipboard. This feature is crucial in easily creating the final list of references without having to worry about the changes in format.
References:
https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/web_vs_desktop#:~:text=The%20web%20library%20also%20allows,your%20control%2C%20with%20optional%20syncing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcIa7iFXnLs
https://medium.com/@johannes.helmold/zotero-vs-mendeley-a-2024-tool-comparison-5c93fb1b8fe4#:~:text=While%20Zotero%20is%20available%20as,its%20FAQ%20for%20user%20assistance
I prefer Zotero primarily due to its better integration of opening cited articles, which makes it easier to revisit different sources when needed. I also like the feature on Zotero where I can just highlight a group of references from a collection and export them as a file or input from the clipboard, which I use most of the time for organizing references from the body of the paper itself.
As for the specific features, elaborated on page 2 of the activity, I think the most important features would be the access, storage, content, organizing references, and output. For full disclosure, I have only compared Mendeley and Zotero, as from my personal research they are two of the most widely used citation generators in academic studies. My sources for comparing the applications are based on the websites of the citation applications and YouTube channels dedicated to reviewing productivity applications. For the access feature, I value the availability of the citation application to be accessed online either on phone, tablet, or desktop as it makes it available for the work to be done on the go. Moreover, there’s a Google Chrome extension for either Zotero or Mendeley; however, Zotero’s extension is much highly rated, where one click of the extension adds the journal article to the database in the citation tools. Connected to the access feature is storage; I value the option to keep saved references available offline to eliminate lack of internet as reasons for unproductivity. I also value the ability of citation applications to easily present the PDF files for the references and create integrated annotations. Organizing references is also an essential feature that I think enhances efficiency and lessens the experience of friction during paper writing as I want to focus solely on the flow of ideas. Perhaps, one of the most important features that I value in citation generators is the ability to perform multiple types of output, may it be in a PDF file or in the clipboard. This feature is crucial in easily creating the final list of references without having to worry about the changes in format.
References:
https://www.zotero.org/support/kb/web_vs_desktop#:~:text=The%20web%20library%20also%20allows,your%20control%2C%20with%20optional%20syncing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcIa7iFXnLs
https://medium.com/@johannes.helmold/zotero-vs-mendeley-a-2024-tool-comparison-5c93fb1b8fe4#:~:text=While%20Zotero%20is%20available%20as,its%20FAQ%20for%20user%20assistance
Your analysis of Zotero and Mendeley is spot on! I also find Zotero's integration with opening cited articles to be a major advantage. It's great that you highlight the importance of organizing references and the ease of exporting them. Have you explored Zotero's annotation features? You can highlight, comment, and tag PDFs directly within the app, which can be really helpful for in-depth analysis and note-taking.
From what I read, I think that zotero would be my choice for a reference tools. As in my experience, I always had difficulty in situations where I have a lot of references in my paper. For one, zotero is able to store and organize references and in collections, while also citing information automatically. This saves me a lot of time especially that papers are a big chunk of my life as a nursing student. Aside from that, the references could be accessed across devices and are stored, so that it can be accessed from anywhere and anytime, even if it was references from past papers. Which was also my problem when making new papers and I needed references from past papers that I already did but could not find.
In a nutshell, as a student nurse, I prefer using Microsoft Word’s References tool to track citations in research papers as I am more comfortable using an application that I already know rather than learning new ones like Mendeley or Zotero. This is especially helpful when writing research papers, where having multiple reference articles open can make things overwhelming with all the tabs on the screen. Hence, in terms of ease of use, Microsoft Word requires no steep learning curve, as I’m already familiar with its common features. And if needed, many tutorials are readily available on YouTube. However, I’m also open to learning other free reference management tools if the need arises.
From reading about Microsoft Word's References tool, I saw that it’s not only useful for storing and creating bibliographies. It also organizes references and allows me to choose different citation formats. Moreover, the tool automatically creates in-text citations and a reference list, saving time and ensuring my paper meets academic standards. Lastly, Microsoft Word offers cross-device accessibility, so as long as I’m logged in with the same account, I can access my document from any device.
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/accessible/accessible-pdf-124-selecting-a-reference-management-tool.pdf
Add citations in a Word document - Microsoft Support. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/resource/website:125729&f=29281
From reading about Microsoft Word's References tool, I saw that it’s not only useful for storing and creating bibliographies. It also organizes references and allows me to choose different citation formats. Moreover, the tool automatically creates in-text citations and a reference list, saving time and ensuring my paper meets academic standards. Lastly, Microsoft Word offers cross-device accessibility, so as long as I’m logged in with the same account, I can access my document from any device.
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/accessible/accessible-pdf-124-selecting-a-reference-management-tool.pdf
Add citations in a Word document - Microsoft Support. (n.d.). https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/resource/website:125729&f=29281
After going through all of the reference tools linked in the activity, I think Zotero is one of my top choices, and I have observed many of my classmates chose this as well. For me, Zotero is a top choice for managing references because it’s efficient, flexible, and packed with useful features. It’s compatible with major operating systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux, and it syncs across devices, ensuring accessibility which is crucial for us nursing students who often switch between desktops, tablets, and mobile devices. Additionally, Zotero makes it easy to add references with a browser extension and supports imports from databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, which pertains to the feature of adding references. Lastly, what I liked the most about this tool emphasizes the content feature. Zotero stores bibliographic information, including full-text PDFs and other multimedia files. This is particularly beneficial for nursing students like me, who frequently need access to peer-reviewed articles and a variety of multimedia sources for evidence-based practice.
References:
- The Open University. (n.d.) Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG1585658190271
I agree with you, Chin! It was quite surprising how much Zotero has to offer, especially its flexibility in managing various references that ciuld help us to work easier and faster.
Ohh! I also prefer using Zotero as a reference tool! Its great to see that accessibility to the application is really a big factor in playing out its usage!
After viewing the four links listed from the activity, I would say that I am leaning towards using the built-in reference management tool in Microsoft Word. I chose this because of my prior experience with this very specific tool way back in my highschool years as we were making our own research project. This feature is accessible, user-friendly, and provides a detailed storage and organization of bibliographic information of literature and sources that any user wishes to utilize for their research purposes. Moreover, the application caters storage that can be accessed both in the computer’s internal storage or in a cloud server (MIcrosoft Azure). Another feature which makes it user-friendly is its reliability and security when shared to other user/s. It can be shared in teams working together by sending the file’s link or by granting access to edit the document in their respective Microsoft accounts. Lastly, the management of the reference tool also does not require extra plugins and tools to create bibliographic entries and references needed and/or required by the user. All it requires is knowledge and familiarity with the application to ensure maximum efficiency and accuracy of results.
This is a great insight, Kuya Drix! I have not yet tried utilizing the reference management function of Microsoft Word and it seems easy to use judging from your experience. I would also like to try and explore it in the future. Thank you for sharing this!
I completely agree with you, Drix! It's amazing how much technology can make our work easier, isn't it? I had a similar experience with Microsoft Word's reference management tool during my high school research projects. The ability to automatically generate references was a game-changer, saving me countless hours of manual formatting. I've continued to use this feature in my nursing papers. The tool's accessibility, user-friendliness, and cloud storage capabilities make it a reliable choice. I'm glad we share the same sentiment about this tool. It's a testament to how technology can enhance our academic and professional lives.
From the four reference tools, I am leaning toward utilizing Zotero primarily due to the ease of use and the number of functionalities it brings to the table. Despite being a digital native, I do not consider myself tech-savvy, which is a huge factor and consideration in choosing the tool. When checking the home pages of these tools, Zotero provided a more user-friendly interface which make it appear clear and easy to use. With most research activities being done by group at present, the sharing feature offered by Zotero is also useful and relevant especially to us nursing students. Lastly, the feature of organizing references is also available on Zotero and appears comprehensive while requires less time and effort in learning its usage.
Reference:
The Open University. (n.d.-b). Selecting a reference management tool. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item4_PG1585658190271
Reference:
The Open University. (n.d.-b). Selecting a reference management tool. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item4_PG1585658190271
Hi Gian! we had the same point on why we chose zoro---the ease of use and its functionalities.
Hi Gian! Indeed, Zotero's interface makes it accessible even for those who are not digital natives. Furthermore, its sharing feature is a blessing for group research because it allows collaboration and ensures that every citation will be accounted for in the group's paper.
In my experience, the best free reference tool for me is Mendeley. Not only is it efficient, but it helps me keep track of all my references, especially when creating research papers. It also allows me to navigate easily within my references, making it efficient for editing my papers. The tool is user-friendly, so there’s no need to figure out how to use certain features; everything is presented in a way that makes it easy to understand what each feature does.
Reference:
JF Publisher. (n.d.). 7 advantages of using Mendeley. https://jfpublisher.com/articles/7-advantages-of-using-mendeley
Reference:
JF Publisher. (n.d.). 7 advantages of using Mendeley. https://jfpublisher.com/articles/7-advantages-of-using-mendeley
Hi Vincent! I love applications that are user-friendly since it really makes it easier to navigate through the app especially if we are new to it. It motivates me to use the app even more if it is easy to use.
As a student nurse, I prefer using Zotero because it is user-friendly, works across devices, and allows easy saving and organization of references from various sources. Its browser plugin simplifies adding references, and it integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word for citations and bibliographies. Zotero also supports folder sharing for group projects, offers free storage with upgrade options, and is regularly updated, ensuring long-term reliability. These features make it an ideal choice for managing my academic references efficiently.
Based from the list, as a student that values research, I would like to use a tool that specifies on Bibliographic (reference) management, specifically Zotero. This tool is new for me, but I can see the worth in learning how to use it, considering the amount of time it will save me in the future.
One of the feature that I will require is storage. With the importance of having a backup files to save myself from any misfortunes that may come, I need a tool that has a feature that allows me to secure what I will store. I particularly like how they can store in cloud, which means that even when I am not on my usual gadget, I can my work. This will lead to the next feature, which is accessibility. As a person with different gadgets, I sometimes use my phone when it is more convenient and applicable to where I am working. As such, I need my tool to be accessible, meaning to say I can access them in my other devices. With these features in mind, Zotero is the best tool that will surely help me in my school-related works and even in my future work-related responsibilities.
Selecting a reference management tool. (2020). Open.ac.uk. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#page1
One of the feature that I will require is storage. With the importance of having a backup files to save myself from any misfortunes that may come, I need a tool that has a feature that allows me to secure what I will store. I particularly like how they can store in cloud, which means that even when I am not on my usual gadget, I can my work. This will lead to the next feature, which is accessibility. As a person with different gadgets, I sometimes use my phone when it is more convenient and applicable to where I am working. As such, I need my tool to be accessible, meaning to say I can access them in my other devices. With these features in mind, Zotero is the best tool that will surely help me in my school-related works and even in my future work-related responsibilities.
Selecting a reference management tool. (2020). Open.ac.uk. https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#page1
I chose Zotero too, Matthew! I also love that this application is accessible anytime with whatever gadget we are using.
What a nice sharing, John! I also liked the feature of cloud storage and cross-device accessibility as it is invaluable for ensuring that our work is secure and always within reach, regardless of the device. This would definitely be beneficial not just for academic pursuits but also for future professional tasks!
After reading the module, I am leaning towards using the Zotero application as it is an excellent reference management tool. The features I will require are access, ease of use, storage, and sharing. The access to this application is very convenient since it is a free source that makes it widely available to students like me. It works on multiple platforms, directly working inside Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs, creating references and bibliographies for any text editor. The user-friendly interface and helpful tutorials make it easier to navigate through the application. For the storage feature, Zotero synchronizes my data across devices and keeps my files up to date. Moreover, Zotero provides tools like folders and tags that would allow me to sort or organize my references to my own preference. During group works, Zotero’s group library feature would allow me to collaborate with my other classmates to share references and efficiently work on our group projects together.
Hello, Kate!! I am glad that we chose the same application, which is Zotero. As groupmates, hopefully, we can learn how to use this tool. I am glad that we share the same sentiments.
Hi, Kate!!! I agree that Zotero is a great reference tool. Although I encountered it for the first time, I really liked how intuitive it is and how it streamlines the process of organizing and citing sources. Its ability to automatically generate citations in various styles like APA and MLA is particularly helpful, making academic writing much easier.
Based on experience, I prefer using Zotero the most. It's convenient because it is both a browser extension and an application. This feature has made it easier to access my references from different devices, as it allows me to synchronize my references as long as I log in my account. Moreover, it has significant ease of use as I quickly grasped the know-how of the application on my first try of the application. Hence, this is why I lean towards the application the most, as it ticks off all the boxes I prioritize when I'm using a reference tool: access, ease of use, and storage.
As a student nurse, I find Zotero to be an incredibly useful tool for managing references and citations. Although it requires downloading separate software, it works seamlessly on both Windows and iOS, and its sync feature ensures that I can access my up-to-date library from different devices. This flexibility is especially important for a busy nursing student who might work across multiple computers or settings. Zotero’s ability to handle a wide range of sources—from journal articles and books to websites and even emails—means I can rely on it for all my academic and clinical research needs.
One of Zotero’s standout features is its Google Chrome extension, which allows me to save citations directly from online libraries or research articles with just a click. Organizing these references is also straightforward, thanks to its folder and subfolder system. This helps me keep track of sources for different assignments or projects efficiently. Zotero’s integration with word processors, such as Google Docs, makes adding citations and generating bibliographies almost effortless.
Additionally, its collaborative features, like shared group libraries, are perfect for group assignments. With free storage and affordable paid plans for additional space, Zotero is a user-friendly, reliable tool that simplifies reference management—saving me time and reducing stress.
For me, Zotero is the tool I am most leaning toward. Although I encountered it for the first time, I quickly saw how valuable it is and how it can help improve my work. Zotero offers a user-friendly interface and features that cater to my needs. One key feature is its ability to organize and categorize references, which is especially helpful when managing a wide range of sources. Another important feature is the citation generator, which simplifies the process of formatting references in various citation styles, such as APA or MLA. These two key features make Zotero an ideal tool for my academic needs.
Among the reference tools that were presented in the article on "Selecting a reference management tool" by the Open University (n.d.), I prefer to use the Zotero tool.
Although the bibliography tool is relatively new to me than the rest, it offers a quality of accessibility, ease of use, and storage friendly (in my personal usage) feature.
- In accessibility:
The download process for the application has a specific download material that is built in for my device (mac). Moreover, it has the compatibility for my browser and the tool has a sync in feature where I can use other devices without the need for a manual update of my bibliography citations. - Ease of use: the application tool itself seems to have a promising interface where the tool has a pleasingly good interface. Because of this, I was able to navigate easily in learning the tool and the help section can provide comprehensive guide instructions whenever I get stuck in the tool's use and interface.
- Storage friendly: Seeing that the Zotoro tool has an online back up feature that does not dependently use my laptop storage, I came to like the application with its automatic back-up system and cloud spaces.
Reference:
The Open University. (n.d.). Selecting a reference management tool. OpenLearn Library Services. Retrieved from https://www.open.ac.uk/libraryservices/beingdigital/activity/XK1149#item8_PG158565819027
As a student nurse who often lacks consistent internet access and is mindful of data usage, I find Microsoft Word's built-in citation and reference management tools to be a reliable and convenient choice. Its offline accessibility is a significant advantage, especially when internet connectivity is limited. This tool offers a user-friendly interface that allows me to quickly add, edit, and format citations and references. Additionally, its ability to automatically format citations and references according to different style guides (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) saves me time and effort. While dedicated reference management software may offer more advanced features, Microsoft Word's built-in tools are sufficient for most basic citation and reference needs, enabling students to produce high-quality academic work efficiently.
I am leaning towards using Zotero as my reference tool. Although I already use Mendeley, I would like to explore Zotero's features, particularly its ability to link with Google Docs, which I frequently use for collaborative and personal work. In addition, Zotero is free, easy to access, user-friendly, and ideal for nursing students like me. It offers excellent storage options for PDFs, notes, and references, along with organizing features like folders and tags to keep my work structured. Additionally, Zotero supports sharing, which is useful for group projects, and provides reliable output with multiple citation styles to meet academic requirements. As an open-source tool, Zotero is also sustainable and well-maintained, ensuring long-term accessibility.
Reference:
Zotero. (2019). Zotero | Your personal research assistant. Zotero.org. https://www.zotero.org/
Reference:
Zotero. (2019). Zotero | Your personal research assistant. Zotero.org. https://www.zotero.org/
In reply to APRILLE BANAYAT
Re: Reference Tool and Justification
Among the free reference management tools I've used, I'm favoring Zotero for keeping track of my references, although Mendeley is also an option that I’ve considered before. Zotero stands out because of its organizational and collaborative features that really support my research work. A feature that I utilize most of the time is creating nested folders for different research topics, allowing me to stay organized. For example, I can have separate folders for health data related to chronic diseases or mental health management. This way, I can easily find relevant articles when writing papers or conducting research.
Another feature is that Zotero allows group folder sharing, which benefits group outputs. For instance, if my group is working on a project about evidence-based interventions for a disease, I can set up a shared folder where everyone can add and access needed resources. This makes managing references simpler than having to share files through other means. Another useful feature is the ability to annotate and highlight PDFs directly, keeping me on track of my reading progress.
While Mendeley offers more cloud storage, it lacks compatibility with Google Docs and doesn’t allow annotations to be exported with PDFs. Additionally, I get to experience bugs in logging into my account, affecting my overall efficiency. With this, considering Zotero’s organization, collaboration capabilities, and flexibility, it seems like the better fit for managing references in my studies.