E-Reference Tool

Abstract

B ibliographic software is a must-have product for anyone preparing scientific manuscripts. Well-designed reference management packages, such as Reference Manager 9, search the Internet for relevant literature, create a database, and reformat the references to fit the style needed for a manuscript. Much of the power of Reference Manager 9 lies in its “cite while you write” capability, enabling users to import references into a document without leaving their word processing program. Reference Manager 9 automatically integrates into word processing software (Microsoft Word for Windows 7, 97, and 2000 and Corel WordPerfect for Windows 7, 8, and 9) as a toolbox item under the Tools menu. This allows the user to access Reference Manager's functions to search for, import, and edit citations within their word processor. Adding a citation to an active document is simple: First, open a bibliographic database created with Reference Manager by choosing the Open Database menu from the Reference Processor tool bar. A two-part reference window then shows a list of articles in the database in one pane; the other displays detailed information on any item selected. Next, chose a reference from the database and format it into the publication's desired reference style. Reference styles available in Reference Manager 9 may be viewed at References can be sorted and further customized during this operation. Once edited, you can print your reference list, import it into another database, store it on disk, or insert it into a manuscript. Creating a new database simply involves opening the Database window and customizing the options for managing references. Articles for the database can be retrieved by searching CD-ROM and online bibliographic sources. The completed database can be stored on the user's hard drive or on an external disk. Reference Manager allows one to call up several databases simultaneously when working on a document. Reference Manager can import a variety of file formats from over 140 commonly cited scientific journals. Its search engine can access popular CD and online databases such as Datastar, Dialog, Knowledge Index, SilverPlatter, UMI, and Wilson. Version 9 also searches the powerful PubMed and other Internet libraries worldwide, as well as social science and legal periodical databases. Reference Manager 9 is not solely designed for scientists. It is also useful for journalists, librarians, science writers, and students needing a simple way to look up citations. Manuscript reviewers will also find Reference Manager 9 handy as a tool for checking references and for locating information on the topic being reviewed. College science instructors can use Reference Manager 9 to provide students with hard copy and online reference lists for class use, and graduate students will find it useful in managing references for a dissertation. It offers features not found in other popular bibliographic software packages, such as flexibility in copying reference information between databases and the ability to search 10 databases at once. The program is valuable for collecting references and organizing large bibliographic databases for a variety of needs. It is highly recommended for anyone needing a powerful referencing tool. Reference Manager 9 ISI ResearchSoft Berkeley, CA $356, institutions; $99, students 510-559-8592