Managing references
- Referencing
- Bibliographic Management
- EndNote
- RefWorks
- Other resources
- Bibliographic Management overview
- Which software do I use?
Referencing
Referencing, or citing, is the practice of acknowledging sources of information and ideas that you have used in assignments. Correct referencing is essential in order to avoid plagiarism.
References within a paper must follow a consistent system, or style. The Learning and Teaching Unit has a detailed explanation of styles, including the UniSA version of the Harvard Author-Date system which is used for most courses.
- Referencing using the Harvard Author-Date system Learning and Teaching Unit (PDF, opens in a new window)
Bibliographic management
Bibliographic management is a system of organising and managing your references (or citations).
Bibliographic management software allows you to…
- create a database (or library) of references
- keep consistent and accurate records
- organise your research
- import references from electronic databases and catalogues
- produce correct references in your documents such as research papers, articles, thesis, assignments
- create and format in-text citations, reference lists and bibliographies in a particular style (e.g. UniSA-Harvard, APA, Author-Date, Chicago-Turabian)
- switch referencing styles automatically
- share references
The software supported at UniSA is:
EndNote
- EndNote
information and help
- Download EndNote or borrow the EndNote software at the Library Desk for home
use.
For oncampus use, see EndNote information and help - How do I get EndNote
- Download EndNote or borrow the EndNote software at the Library Desk for home
use.
- About EndNote Web
RefWorks
- RefWorks information and help
- Access
RefWorks (opens in new window)
Off campus users will be asked to authenticate using your UniSA username and password
- Access
RefWorks (opens in new window)
- About RefShare
Other resources
- Which software do I choose?
- Manage your references: getting started with reference management software (a short module for new users within Infogate)
- Referencing Learning and Teaching Unit
- Avoiding plagiarism Learning and Teaching Unit
Bibliographic Management Overview
This diagram shows the process of creating a bibliography using bibliographic management software:

Which software do I choose?
You need to make your own decision, but these are some of the factors to consider
- If you use the same software as your colleagues, it may be easier to share references and databases, as well as provide support for one another.
- EndNote contains a style called Harvard (unisa), which matches the Learning and Teaching Unit Harvard style. RefWorks contains a Harvard style which is very similar. More information about the EndNote Harvard (unisa) style is available from the Library's EndNote page - UniSA Harvard author-date referencing style
- With RefWorks and EndNote Web you need to be online to use most features. With EndNote you can use most features offline.
- With RefWorks, your database of references is held on the secure RefWorks server in the USA. It is similar with EndNote Web. However an EndNote Library is stored on your own computer.
- EndNote and RefWorks are customisable. EndNote Web is not customisable, and is promoted as primarily an undergraduate tool.
- You can compare EndNote and EndNote Web at http://www.endnoteweb.com/encompare.asp (opens in new window).
- If you decide to change from one software product to another, references can be transferred. PLEASE NOTE: When transferring references from one product to another, you will need to check each reference to ensure that the correct reference type was selected and that the data is in the correct fields

