Citation Tools in Academic Libraries

Abstract

In recent years libraries have seen an increase in the number and complexity of citation management programs like Zotero, RefWorks and Endnote, and with this an expanded role for libraries in support of citation and research management. But how should libraries best support citation management and the needs of users and how do the tools fit into information literacy programs? Penn State University librarians decided to take stock of the various tools and programs available for citation management and outline how these might be incorporated into reference and instruction settings. With an appointed Citation Tools Team, they researched tools and their uses, polled public service librarians and staff, and held workshops and discussion sessions to outline a set of best practices and to assess user, librarian, and staff needs. The result is a set of best practices for supporting, recommending, and teaching tools for the many aspects of citation management.