Getting started with EndNote X3

EndNote is software for storing and managing references. It also allows you to Cite While You Write with Word, using a variety of styles. Version X3 is available on the CiCS Managed Desktop. A more recent version for Windows and Mac is available to purchase from CiCS for use in a department or personal use off campus.

EndNote libraries & groups

EndNote stores references in a database file called a library. Although you can create multiple libraries, it is more useful to create one and use groups to organise your references. A group is a subset of references in the library.

Users who have installed EndNote from a CD-ROM are advised to save libraries to their U:\ drive rather than in the same place as the rest of their EndNote software. Saving a library to your U:\ drive ensures that it can be accessed from any machine connected to the campus network.

Using EndNote as a search interface

Using EndNote as a search interface is not recommended by the Library because of the following disadvantages:

• You cannot see any links to the full text of articles
• You cannot use any of the remote database's advanced search features
• You cannot see any thesauri provided by the remote database
• You do not have access to the remote database's online help
• You cannot see any warning notices such as forthcoming service disruptions

Import filters & connection files

Import filters enable references to be downloaded to EndNote from databases and online library catalogues. EndNote includes import filters for a variety of popular sources. These are located in the 'Filters' folder in your EndNote folder. You can check the location by selecting 'Preferences' from the 'Edit' menu, and then 'Folder Locations'. You can view all the available import filters by selecting 'Import Filters' from the 'Edit' menu and then 'Open Filter Manager'.

Connection files enable you to connect to, and search remote sources such as online library catalogues. Again, a number of these are already included in EndNote. These are located in the 'Connections' folder in your EndNote folder. You can check the location by selecting 'Preferences' from the 'Edit' menu, and then 'Folder Locations'. You can view all the available connections by selecting 'Connection Files' from the 'Edit' menu and then 'Open Connection Manager'.

Output styles

Output styles (or bibliographic styles) are templates for citing references and formatting bibliographies. EndNote includes many popular output styles. These are located in the 'Styles' folder in your EndNote folder. You can check the location by selecting 'Preferences' from the 'Edit' menu, and then 'Folder Locations'. You can view all the available styles by selecting 'Output Styles' from the 'Edit' menu and then 'Open Style Manager'. If the style you require is not available, you can download additional styles, modify a style, or create a new style.

Help & support

The Library has produced an EndNote X3 workbook to help you get started. Instructions on how to download references from databases and ejournals offered by the Library are also available (see Using EndNote X3 with Library eResources opposite).

Further guidance is available from the Information Skills Resource and other sources of help include FAQs from University of Sheffield users, the University of Sheffield EndNote group in uSpace and Thomson Reuters' EndNote Community forum.

If you experience any difficulties in using this eResource please call the Library on extension 27200 or email library@sheffield.ac.uk.