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EndNote Online: Questions and Support

Help and support at BU

Having problems with using Endnote?

My references don't look right and I can't see anything wrong in the data fields in the reference in Endnote.

Check the 'reference type' - Endnote sometimes loads the reference as the wrong type of resource. See the 'make your own Endnote reference' video for help.

I've heard of other software such as Mendeley and Zotero - can I use them instead?

All referencing software needs to be used carefully as it can make mistakes and you need to know how to reference. You can use other referencing software as long as you use it carefully, but only Endnote is paid for and supported by BU and works with BU Harvard.

Should I be using Endnote Desktop?

Endnote Desktop is best for those doing research, PhDs and writing for publication. If you are an undergraduate or doing a taught Masters course Endnote Web should for you.

Can I use Endnote on a Mac?

Yes it works through a web browser such as Safari or Chome  just the same on a mac. The CWYW plugin for Word requires a different download (see the downloads tab in Endnote) and may look different to the PC version, but the principles of using it are the same.

Can't find BU Harvard referencing style, Harvard(BourneU)?

If you have created an EndNote Online account, but you only see 21 referencing styles, you need to let EndNote Online know that you are a member of BU. This will give you more functionality, including the BU Harvard referencing style. To do this:

On campus

 

  1. Log into a BU machine
  2. Go to the log in page for EndNote online
  3. Log in with the EndNote Web username and password that you have previously created

You should now see many hundreds of referencing styles including BU Harvard. If this does not work, follow the instructions below for off campus users.

Off campus

 

Option 1: (all users)

  1. Log in to the University desktop using Horizon. Please note: you only need the section of this guide that’s relevant to your device and it includes helpful step-by-step screenshots:
    • For Windows 10 computers, go to pages 1-7.
    • For MacOS computers, go to pages 8-14.
    • For Chromebook, Apple iOS or Android based devices, go to pages 15-21.
  2. Go to the log in page for EndNote Online
  3. Log in with the EndNote Online username and password that you have previously created

You should now see many hundreds of referencing styles including BU Harvard (i.e. Harvard(BourneU)). If this does not work, follow the instructions below for Option 2.

Option 2: Windows 10 machine

Please remember NOT to actually sync your EndNote Online and EndNote desktop libraries or you may lose all your references. The sync option is only for experienced users of EndNote Desktop. You only need to 'enable' the sync option.

  1. Go to AppsAnywhere and open EndNote 21 (soon to be available, last update 02/10/2024) (you will need to create a new desktop library if you have not done so before)
  2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Sync
  3. Click on 'Enable Sync'
  4. Enter your username and password for EndNote Web and click Apply
  5. Follow the registration instructions given

Once you have done this you can close EndNote 20 and you do not need to use the desktop library again, if you are an EndNote Online only user. This is only for registration purposes.

You should now see many hundreds of referencing styles in EndNote Online, including BU Harvard. It will be called Harvard (BourneU).

Do I need the Desktop version?

Endnote desktop is a much more powerful tool than Endnote Web, but it also requires a lot more learning in order to use it effectively. You might want to use this software if

  • You are writing a long thesis such as a PhD or a MRes. 
  • You are writing for publication.
  • You want to review the title and abstracts of a large number of articles

You can find out more about Endnote Desktop using this library guide, but if you chose to use it, attending a two hour training workshop is highly recommended - you can find out more details on the guide.