EndNote files are called EndNote Libraries.
Each EndNote Library has two parts: a Data folder and an ENL file.
There are many ways to use EndNote to organize your research evidence.
EndNote | Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Option 1: Use one EndNote (Desktop) library to save references from all your research projects. |
You can easily sync to your online EndNote Online Account & access all your data from any computer or tablet which has internet access. |
Disadvantage 1: EndNote Online does not track items in "Group Sets" so your records will be scattered (i.e. groups sets are not maintained). Mitigation Strategy 1: In EndNote Desktop explicitly name Group Sets and Groups according to each project:
When you sync in EndNote Online, the results will be gathered based on the group name. Disadvantage 2: One large library can easily get disorganized. Mitigation Strategy 2: Limit the clutter in EndNote by staying organized:
Disadvantage 3: Having multiple projects in one EndNote Library requires careful decision making about what you share (i.e. Groups, Group Sets or an entire EndNote Libaray) and with whom. Mitigation Strategy 3: When working with collaborators on a variety of projects, you may sync your Entire Library to EndNote Online but only share EndNote Groups with specific collaborators (rather than sharing your entire EndNote Library). Disadvantage 4: Smart Groups may capture results unexpectedly from other research projects. Mitigation Strategy 4: Be careful about the search criteria you apply when you create Smart Groups (set specific criteria or add criteria to ensure search function is capturing literature from the appropriate research project). |
Option 2: Create a separate EndNote Library for each research topic or project. |
You can organize each research project in a discreet EndNote Library
Projects files are distinguishable. To collaborate with others, you would copy the appropriate library and email it to them share Groups or share your compressed EndNote Library (ENLX) file. |
Disadvantage 1: EndNote (x8) only allows you to sync 1 Library to EndNote Online. Mitigation Strategy 1: Rather than using EndNOte Online, use these options to share EndNote Libraries with colleagues:
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Tips:
Did you know?
There is no "save" or "Edit > undo" option in EndNote. Simply close your EndNote library when you're finished. When you re-open the EndNote program, it will automatically open the last Library you used.