Stage 2: Developing the Search: Using a Citation Manager
Using a Citation Manager
Using a Citation ManagerAt this point, you will have searched databases using a variety of search strategies. If your search is comprehensive, you could be faced with an large number of search results. This is where a citation manager comes in.
Citation managers allow you to:
- Organize your references by database
- Remove duplicate results (which you should have, if you have a sensitive search)
- Manage the screening process
- Download the full-text of included studies
- Share your library with team members
- Cite studies easily when writing your review in Microsoft Word
- Format citations for written work
The following are citation management tools commonly used for synthesis reviews:
For training on how to use these tools, refer to the Additional Resources section below.
File Management
File ManagementDeveloping a file management plan ensures that you and your team will be consistent in managing the various documents that are part of a synthesis review process.
A file management plan should articulate:
Standardized formatting for file naming of directories, folders, and documents
Consistent and accessible location for downloaded articles
A mechanism for sharing shared usernames and passwords for citation managers, database accounts, and other potential software
Standardized formatting for file naming of directories, folders, and documents
Consistent and accessible location for downloaded articles
A mechanism for sharing shared usernames and passwords for citation managers, database accounts, and other potential software