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Referencing - BU Harvard 24-25 Full Guide: Tools & Apps

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Referencing generators

Important

  • There are many online cite options, referencing tools and apps that are not supported by Bournemouth University (e.g. Zotero, Mendeley, MyBib's Free Harvard Referencing Generator, RefWorks, RefChef, BibGuru, EasyBib, Cite This For Me, Neil's Toolbox and Citavi).
  • Currently BU only endorses and supports the use of Endnote (online and desktop).

Guidance: referencing generator tools and apps

If you choose to use any auto-citation options or referencing generator tools or apps you must consider the following:

  • EndNote Web and Endnote Desktop are currently the only referencing tool endorsed and supported by Bournemouth University. Endnote can be set to output references in BU’s version of the Harvard style.
  • Be aware that they vary in quality and ultimately you are responsible for the references you submit. Always proof-read your references if you create them using any online tools or apps.
  • Poor referencing from online reference tools and apps may affect your marks, or in serious cases, may contribute to academic offences (plagiarism).
  • Unsupported tools and apps are not be regularly updated. Using them carries a risk that support may be withdrawn without notice and you may lose your stored references.
  • BU Library Teams provide guidance and support for referencing, including one-to-one or small group sessions.
  • BU’s guidance on how to avoid plagiarism and the Academic Skills Hub in Brightspace.

Endnote Web and Desktop

  • EndNote is reference management software that helps you organise sources you find when researching. Any student, researcher, or member of staff can use Endnote web (online version). There is also a desktop version that we recommend may be more useful for BU staff or PhD researchers (both versions of Endnote can be synchronised).
  • Endnote also auto-generates reference lists and works with Microsoft Word to insert citations and reference lists.