| Mendeley | RefWorks | Zotero | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to UNLV students/staff | Free; additional cloud storage available to individuals beginning at $55/year | Free to you, paid for by UNLV Libraries | Free; additional cloud storage available to individuals beginning at $20/year | |
| Stores data about items (links) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Stores PDF files automatically | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Flags retracted papers | No | No | Yes | |
| Web-based (cloud) or desktop | Web-based, optional Desktop | Web-based | Need both Web-based and Desktop | |
| App for use on tablet | No | No (access via browser) | Yes, iOS only | |
| Collaborators can… | Add and view files, annotate PDF files in private groups | Add and view files, annotate PDF files in groups | Add and view files, annotate PDF files in private groups | |
| Who can collaborate | Anyone with free account | Anyone at a place with a RefWorks subscription | Anyone with free account | |
| Supported web browsers for adding new references | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge | Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, Internet Explorer 10.0 + |
Chrome 55 or later. Firefox 60 or later. Safari on macOS Big Sur or later. |
|
| In-text citation tool for word processors | Word & Office 365 | Word & Office 365, Google Docs | Word, LibreOffice, Google Docs, Office 365 | |
| Can cite in word processor while offline | No | No | Yes | |
| Annotation features | Highlight & annotate directly on PDF file & can export | Highlight & annotate in PDF viewer | Highlight & annotate in PDF viewer or store notes in a separate text file | |
| Backs up your data (cloud) | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Can create a local, offline backup | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Local file storage (PDFs) | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Free cloud file storage limit |
Free 2GB personal storage; counts citations and saved files and PDFs. Individuals can purchase more: $4.99/month or $55/yr for 5GB$9.99/month or $110/yr for 10GB $14.99/month or $165/yr for unlimited storage |
100GB; counts documents only |
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