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Reference Management Software: Mendeley

This guide will introduce you to the variety of Reference Management Software NTU Library supports and give you tips on how to make the most out of them.

Introduction to Mendeley

Mendeley has both desktop and web-based versions, with features to sync references across multiple devices with a library of multiple citation styles.

Mendeley has many compatible features to handle PDF files such as:

  • Organising PDF files into folders for easy access (E.g., recently added & favourites).
  • Dragging PDF files directly into Mendeley from desktop or folders.
  • Opening of multiple PDF in separate tabs.
  • Sharing annotations within groups (Every time annotations or highlights are added it will be visible to members of the group).

 

Mendeley enables you to expand your social network using these features which allows you to:

  • Search through millions of papers used by other Mendeley users. 
  • Share references and papers with collaborators.
  • Join public discussion groups and network with other researchers among Mendeley users.

Where to Download

Here are the steps to install Mendeley:

  1. Sign up for Mendeley at https://www.mendeley.com/join , you will need to create an account before you use the software.
  2. Install Mendeley Desktop http://www.mendeley.com/download-mendeley-desktop/. This is for the desktop version which allows to synchronise with the web version.
  3. Install the web importer. http://www.mendeley.com/import/ . This tool is useful for managing reference-type websites.
  4. Install the Mendeley Plug-in for MS  Word. This will enable you to insert citations from Mendeley into your Word document.
  • To install the Mendeley Plugin, close Word and open Mendeley Desktop.
  • Then go to Tools > Install Plugin
  • The plugin is compatible only with the following word processors:
    • Microsoft Word
    • LibreOffice
    • BibTeX

Workshops

The Introduction to Mendeley Workshop covers:

  • Creating a Mendeley account and installing Mendeley Desktop
  • Adding, editing and organising references using Mendeley
  • Managing PDF documents with Mendeley
  • Exploring the collaborating and social networking features in Mendeley

To complement the Mendeley online workshops, NTU staff and students may refer to the Academic Writing with Mendeley LibGuide for more information.

*As part of safe distancing measures implemented against the spread of COVID-19, NTU Library will be conducting workshops and consultations via online platforms until further notice.

Mendeley Workshop Schedule

24 Aug 2020, (Mon), 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM           [Register]

9 Sep 2020, (Wed), 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM         [Register]

12 Oct 2020, (Mon), 2:30 PM – 3:45 PM            [Register]

18 Nov 2020, (Wed), 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM       [Register]

16 Dec 2020, (Wed), 10:00 AM – 11:15 AM       [Register]

Consultation with NTU Librarians

Consultation by Appointment:

Reference Management Software consultation for EndNote, Mendeley & Zotero  is open to NTU students and staff who wish to learn specific  features or  related enquiries. 

Please email library@ntu.edu.sg to make an appointment.

Additional Resources

Importing References from Databases

Please refer to the list of databases below to determine if you can directly export References into Mendeley or via the Web Importer or PDF.

Database How to Export References

Scopus

 Use direct export function “Save to Mendeley”.
ScienceDirect Use direct export function “Save to Mendeley”.
Engineering Village Import via Bib Text (.bib) or use Web Importer “Save to Mendeley”.
Emerald Insight Import via Bib Text (.bib) or use Web Importer “Save to Mendeley”.
Web of Science Import via Bib Text (.bib) or use Web Importer “Save to Mendeley”.
IEEE Use Web Importer "Save to Mendeley".
JSTOR Import via Bib Text (.bib) or use Web Importer “Save to Mendeley”.
EBSCO Import via RIS (.ris).
SciFinder Import via RIS (.ris).
Factiva Can only import via PDF. Even then, no citation information will be provided.
Reaxys Can only import via PDF. Even then, no citation information will be provided.

 

Do note that although Mendeley is a free software, there are limitations to the features and space available to a free account.

For further assistance, you may want to check out the guides and videos for self-paced learning here: https://www.mendeley.com/guides/videos 

You are expected to comply with University policies and guidelines namely, Social Media Policy, Corporate Identity and IT Usage Policy. Users will be personally liable for any infringement of Copyright and Licensing laws.
Unless otherwise stated, all guide content is licensed by CC BY-NC 4.0.