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EndNote: Adding references

How do I add entries into my EndNote library?

EndNote is versatile and offers a variety of methods for adding entries, reflecting the different ways in which we source information. 

One option is to directly export records from bibliographic databases, e.g .Scopus.  In general:

  1. Run your search, and select results, unless exporting a full range.
  2. Look for features like 'Cite' or 'Export',
  3. Add to selections, e.g. abstract, if options are presented and are desirable.
  4. Select '.ris', 'RIS' or 'EndNote' - depending on the options presented. 

Some resources offer this feature but perhaps in a less obvious way - click on the links below to add entries from the selected bibliographic services and see the boxes on this page for details on creating new records and importing PDF files from your device.

Exporting records for items found when searching bibliographic services, e.g.:

From PDFs - importing files automatically

To add PDF files automatically to your EndNote 20 library,

  • Create a new folder on your device for your PDF documents (one-time action).
  • (Now, or later) Save to the selected folder all the PDFs that you want to upload. 
  • Set EndNote Preferences to automatically upload the folder's contents (one-time action):
    • In EndNote, select 'Edit' from the menu bar.
    • Select 'Preferences'.
    • Select 'PDF handling'. 
    • Use the 'Select folder' option to navigate to your selected folder.
    • Click 'Apply' to confirm the setting.

Note: there will be a few minutes delay before any files in the selected folder appear in your EndNote20 library.

 

When uploading, EndNote will create a reference record for each PDF attachment:

  1. The reference record will be pre-populated if the PDF is appropriately coded.
  2. The file name will display in the title field - for referencing purposes, we advise manually editing the record to include the author, title and access details.

From PDFs - importing files or folders manually

To manually import into your EndNote library any PDFs already saved to your device:

  1. In EndNote, select 'File' from the menu bar,
  2. Select 'Import' then 'File'.
  3. An Import File popup window will display.  Screenshot X9 File Import box
  4. Click 'Choose' to navigate to your file.
  5. 'Import option' - ensure 'PDF' is selected.
  6. Select 'Import'.

A new EndNote record for the item will be created.  The reference record will be populated if the PDF is formatted appropriately - has an allocated DOI (digital object identifier).  If not, manual editing of the record will be required. 

To import a folder, follow the steps above with adjustments for folder.  Note:

  • Remember to check the 'Include subfolder' option if the selected folder has subfolders containing PDF documents.
  • The 'Import' popup includes an option to create a Group Set for the folder. Select if desirable.

Creating a new record (when there is no export/ Import option)

To add references to your EndNote library when there is no option for direct export, e.g. for reports, websites, YouTube videos, blogs:

  1. Open your EndNote library.
  2. Select References from main menu.
  3. Select New Reference.
  4. The reference window will open.
  5. Choose the most relevant Reference Type for your item, e.g. Report, Webpage, Audiovisual Material or Online multimedia, Blog.  The Reference Type dictates which fields display in the record.
  6. Enter the author names in the correct format (to ensure that any subsequent citations and references display correctly in MS Word):
    • For personal names, use the format surname comma firstname , e.g. Stewart, M.
    • For organisations, use the format organisation name comma, e.g. Scottish Government,
    • Ensure each author is entered on a separate line. [Note: red text will appear if an author's name has not previously appeared in your EndNote Library].
  7. Enter the Year, Title and any other relevant information for the particular item, e.g. URL, in the corresponding fields.
  8. If desired, add your notes on the item in the Research Notes field.
  9. Close the reference window.
  10. Select Save in the pop up window (or click on another reference in your library to generate the 'Save' option).

From EndNote's Online Search

The Online Search function within EndNote is offered as a quick way of searching selected services.  However, this is not as straightforward as it seems. Library staff recommend that you use the alternative methods listed on this guide to find your content.