How to Use Mendeley

Mendeley is a popular reference management tool that helps researchers and academics organize and cite their research materials. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Mendeley:

1. Sign Up: Visit the Mendeley website (https://www.mendeley.com/) and create an account. You can sign up using your email address or by linking your existing Google or Microsoft account.
2. Download and Install: After signing up, download and install the Mendeley Desktop application for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Mendeley Desktop is the primary tool for managing your references.
3. Importing References: Once you have installed Mendeley Desktop, you can import your research papers and documents. There are several ways to do this:
   • Drag and drop: Simply drag and drop PDF files into the Mendeley Desktop window.
   • Import from folders: You can specify folders on your computer that Mendeley should monitor, and it will automatically import any new PDF files placed in those folders.
   • Manual import: Use the “Add Document” button in Mendeley Desktop to manually select and import individual files.
4. Organize References: Mendeley allows you to organize your references into folders or groups. You can create folders based on topics, projects, or any other classification system that suits your needs. To create a folder, right-click on “My Library” and select “Create Folder.”
5. Annotate and Highlight: Mendeley Desktop provides annotation and highlighting features that allow you to mark important sections of your PDFs. To annotate a document, double-click on it to open the PDF viewer, and then use the available annotation tools.
6. Cite While Writing: Mendeley integrates with popular word processors like Microsoft Word and LibreOffice. Install the Mendeley Citation Plugin for your preferred word processor, which enables you to cite references directly from your Mendeley library into your documents. The plugin will generate in-text citations and a bibliography based on your chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
7. Sync and Collaborate: Mendeley offers a syncing feature that keeps your library up-to-date across multiple devices. Sign in to your Mendeley account on different devices, and your library, including annotations and highlights, will sync automatically.
8. Discover and Import from Mendeley Web: Mendeley Web is a platform where you can discover and import papers from various academic sources. You can search for papers, explore related research, and import references directly into your Mendeley library.
9. Generate Bibliographies: Mendeley can generate formatted bibliographies in your preferred citation style. In Mendeley Desktop, select the references you want to include in the bibliography, right-click, and choose “Copy As” and then “Formatted Citation.” You can then paste the citation into your document.

Remember to consult the Mendeley documentation, tutorials, and user guides for detailed instructions and additional features. Mendeley offers extensive support and resources to help you make the most of its capabilities.

Editor: I. Busthomi