Right now, I keep a running document with a few sentences about each paper I read. The exact components of your system matter less than having a system. It’s a great idea to create a summary of each paper as you read it, but where do you keep this information? Some people write separate documents for each paper (e.g., using the Rhetorical Précis Format), others write nothing at all, but tag papers (virtually or physically) with key words. Try to resist the urge to leave notes like “finish reading later.” However, if needed, consider using notes like “need to read again before citing” for papers that were skimmed particularly quickly.Ĭhoose how to keep track of your notes. You won’t necessarily read each paper in detail, but you should complete a quick skim and take a few notes.

So, set aside some time every few weeks (on your calendar if you need to) to review papers. It’s tempting to download papers and forget about them, falling prey to PDF alibi syndrome, wherein you fool yourself into thinking that by downloading a paper you’ve somehow read it. This folder is more than just a storage space, it should also be a reminder for you to review unread papers. Whether it’s a physical folder on your desk or a virtual folder on your desktop, it’s important to have a designated place for unread papers.

Personally, I have transferred references from RefWorks to Zotero to Mendeley to EndNote over the past several years without much trouble.Ĭhoose a place to keep unread papers. Spend some time researching which manager fits your needs, but don’t get bogged down, you can always switch later.

Others, like Papers and EndNote, are not, though some paid programs may be free through your institution. Some are free, like Zotero and some versions of Mendeley. Choosing and using a reference manager is also a great way to track papers as you collect them, particularly because reference managers often have powerful search functions. Sure, you can get by creating a poster or two without a reference manager, but it’s incredibly risky to cite references by hand for manuscripts and grant proposals. As a follow up, here are a few tips on how to keep track of the papers you want to read without losing your mind.Ĭhoose a reference manager. If you haven’t read it yet, go take a look, as it’s relevant for people at all career stages. In January, Ulrike Träger wrote a great PLOS ECR post describing how to stay on top of reading during graduate school.

Zotero download plos biology