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Research Skills for Fine Arts and Music Students

Reference Management

Throughout your studies or candidature, you will consult hundreds (or thousands) of different resources. Finding a way to manage these systematically may save you many hours and a few headaches along the way.

You can choose to use software to management your references, or you can manage them manually. Before you decide consider the following questions:

Some questions to ask

  • Will I want my citations and bibliographies to be generated automatically?
  • Do I want to be able to sort and group my resources together in a easy to navigate way?
  • Am I sharing my work regularly with a study group or supervisor?
  • Do I have the time and motivation to learn a new tool? (If you think the answer is no, consider the investment of time in managing and creating your reference lists manually - you may come out ahead in the end)
  • Will I be writing other pieces of work as I study (ie. journal articles; conference presentations; thesis progress reviews)?

If the answer to any of these questions is 'Yes', you may want to consider using software to help you manage your references.

Reference Management Questions

Once you have a system in place, managing your references can streamline your research by:

  • Making it easier to managing large lists of resources
  • Automatically inserting citations and compiling reference lists
  • Establishing sound academic practice in your work
  • Help you structure your writing with a well structured library of resources

  • Know your citation style and what you need to record (use Re:cite as a guide)
  • Start early and take note of everything you need as you go
  • Take note of extra details like page numbers and URLs or access dates (if required)
  • Understand the difference between quotes and paraphrases and how to cite them
  • Be accurate, consistent and adhere to the rules of your style
  • Create your bibliography as you go, so you don't have to doubleback at the end

  • It can compile citations and reference lists automatically
  • You can store all your articles and resources, including PDFs, in the one place
  • It prompts you to record what you need for accurate citations
  • It keeps a record of all your resources for future research
  • Your library of resources is generally searchable, so you can easily find resources that you have consulted in the past

Yes you can, however you'll need to set a system that you can stick to over time. You could:

  • Keep track of your resources in a spreadsheet
  • Take photos of key information and file them systematically
  • Write down key information in a notebook, or keep a digital notebook in something like Everynote or OneNote
  • Record page numbers or URLs with the quotations or notes you've recorded
  • Create your bibliography as you write to avoid having to track your resources down again later.
  • Use Re:cite as a guide to ensure your citations and bibliographies are accurate and consistent

Keep in mind that over time you will accumulate hundreds, if not thousands of references. In short, managing your references manually is not necessarily going to save you time or effort, but it will suit some people. Consult a librarian if you would like further advice on this.

Here are some things to try to avoid when managing references:

  • Don't leave it until the last minute
  • Don't make stuff up
  • Don't leave other people's ideas and work unattributed. Plagiarism, even if accidental, is a serious issue and may carry significant consequences
  • Don't use a hybrid system or make it too complicated to follow. Consult a librarian if you would like some advice on this.

Reference Management Software

The library provides support for a number of reference management programs, including Zotero, Endnote and Menderly.