EndNote at QMU: Introduction to EndNote

EndNote 20 for Windows is available for QMU staff and students to download for free. For more information on EndNote 20 see the Clarivate EndNote LibGuide and their EndNote 20 Video collection. For instructions on how to download and install EndNote see the Getting Started tab.

What is EndNote?

EndNote is reference management software designed to make your academic life a little easier by allowing you to build a collection of references for your research. It can help take the stress out of referencing properly, helping you organise your lists of references and create bibliographies. It allows you to :

• Find and import references downloaded from library catalogues and databases directly into your own personal EndNote library
• Store, organise and search for references in your EndNote library
• Add citations to your word-processed document and create your bibliography in a number of citation styles

Why use EndNote?

• You need to provide accurate references to all the sources you use to avoid plagiarism - EndNote makes this easier!
• Using EndNote ensures you cite your references in the correct style for your School or purpose

The EndNote and Mendeley plugins in Word conflict with each other, so you might experience problems if you have both installed. The most common error message seen is 'Cannot edit range' when trying to insert a citation from EndNote into a Word document.

To stop this happening you have to disable the Mendeley plugin by following these steps:

1. Open the File menu in Word.
2. Select Options then Add-Ins.
3. From the Manage list at the foot of the window select Word Add-ins and click Go.
4. Unselect the Mendeley add-in.

You will need to do this every time you open a document in Word.

Both EndNote Online and EndNote desktop are free for QMU staff and students.

EndNote Online should offer enough functionality for undergraduates and taught postgraduates. It is cloud based so you can use it from anywhere. You can continue to use it after you leave QMU: you will have an EndNote basic account which has a smaller number of styles. You just need to change your email address to a personal email address within EndNote Online. You can sync between EndNote Online and EndNote desktop so the same references will be in both.

EndNote Desktop offers greater functionality for research postgraduates and staff though all staff and students can use it. You download the software so this will require space on your computer. If you leave QMU, you will need to purchase a copy or remove it from your machine.

EndNote Basic can be used after you graduate and is a limited online version. 

You need to use your QMU email address to register for an EndNote account. You can do this via the EndNote program when you have installed it. If you are unable to install EndNote on your device (due to compatibility issues) please contact your liaison librarian and they will advise you about how to proceed.

If you sign up for an EndNote account online, you will be given access to EndNote Basic. This does not offer you the full functionality you are able to have as a QMU student or member of staff. To convert your account from Basic to Premium, follow these steps:

It is applicable for those who have already created an EndNote online account via the website and those who have yet to have an EndNote online account):

See the Clarivate website for a range of training materials on how to use EndNote 20.

Email helpdesk@qmu.ac.uk