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Starting a Major Project, Capstone or Thesis

Step by step advice for students who are beginning a major research project, such as a Capstone or Thesis.

FREE Research Software

Zotero

Zotero Bibliographic software is a free, easy to use tool to help you collect, organize, cite and share research. 

  • Save articles directly from our databases along with the Full-text.
  • Cite in APA 7th edition formatting for in-text and references section. 
  • Highlight and write notes directly on the PDFs of saved articles.
  • Develop your own personal research library located on your own device.

Click here to download your own copy of Zotero.

Mendeley

Mendeley is a free reference management software integrated in Discovery that allows you to: 

  • Add papers directly from your browser with a few clicks or import any documents from your desktop. 
  • Generate references, citations and bibliographies in a whole range of journal styles with just a few clicks.
  • Collate all your highlights and notes from multiple PDFs

For more information on Mendeley, click here

To download Mendeley, click here

Additional Software Options

Other Bibliographic Software

Although Zotero is freely accessible, there are other bibliographic tools to consider.  Two of the most important (fee based) alternatives include Papers AND Endnote.  

  • Papers helps you focus on the task at hand with a full-screen Enhanced PDF reader. Highlight, underline, strike through, make inline notes, draw and add sticky notes. Switch between different documents with tabs, view supplemental files or jump to referenced articles - conveniently linked inline. 
  • Endnote Insert in-text citations while simultaneously creating a bibliography with the Cite While You Write feature in Microsoft® Word. Use tools that find PDFs for you throughout your search process. Then, easily read, review, annotate and search PDFs in your library.

If you are planning on a career in research, or just like to stay organized, you might consider purchasing access to Endnote or Papers.