Faculty Overview of Evidence Informed Practice (EIP): Mendeley FAQs

Q. What is the difference between the desktop and browser version of Mendeley Reference Manager? Do I need to download the desktop version?

A. Unlike in previous iterations of Mendeley, the browser version has just about all the functionality of the desktop version. The only differences being:

• The desktop version allows you to download directly both the Web Importer and Mendeley Cite, HOWEVER
• You can just as easily download Mendeley Cite here, and the Web Importer here.

Q. Can I search for journal articles using Mendeley?

A. Yes, you can search for articles on Mendeley from the "tools" dropdown menu on the desktop version. This will search articles that have been added to any Mendeley library by users worldwide. If you don't have access to the desktop version, you can search the same articles here. You will be able to add these directly to your library.

Q. How do I sync Mendeley Desktop with Mendeley Web?

A. Usually this is done automatically when either version is opened, but if you need to do it manually, click on the sync icon (2 arrows) at the top right of the screen; you can sync both the desktop and web versions this way.

Q. How do I install the Web Importer tool?

A. In Mendeley Desktop, select: Tools > Install Web Importer, or here

Q. How do I import articles to Mendeley?

A. Two Ways:

• Save a PDF or Word doc to your computer, and drag it into the Documents section of your Library.
• Install the Web Importer bookmark: click the Save to Mendeley icon when you find articles of interest (When this doesn't work, save first and then use the above Drag and Drop method.

Q. How do I annotate an article?

A.  Follow these steps:

• Open article you wish to make notes on by clicking on "download" icon, located in the "file" column to the right of the record;
• Click on the "Info" icon from the menu just above the article, and select "annotations"
• Select the area you wish to make notes on, then click "highlight";
• Right click on highlighted area, and select "sticky note" from the drop-down menu;
• Make any notes you wish to about this section of the article.

Q.  How do I upload an annotated article to Canvas?  (Short answer: you can't pull directly from Mendeley to Canvas!)

A.  Follow these steps:

• Open article; click "Info" button at top right of screen; click on file and select "Export .pdf with annotations".
• Save the article to your computer (the computer desktop is a handy place - you need to create a folder)
• Upload the article to your Canvas course page.

Q.  How do I use the Microsoft Word plug-in to format citations from my Mendeley Library for my papers?

A. Install "Mendeley Cite" here.

• You can change the citation style from the drop-down menu in the right-hand side menu bar.

Q. Does Mendeley Cite Work with Word on Office 365?

A.  Yes, Mendeley Cite works the same way on 365 as it does on the desktop version of Word.

Q. I’m having technical trouble with the Web Importer and some of the other features.

A. It may be the web browser you're using or it may be the particular database you're trying to export/import the article from.

• Web Importer supports many browsers, but we recommend the most current version of Firefox or Chrome.
  • NOTE: JavaScript and cookies must be enabled. (Also see the next question.)
• Web Importer supports many databases/web resources.
  • A partial list is available at the bottom of the Web Importer page.
  • When in doubt, download the PDF, then drag it to Mendeley Desktop.

Q.  My imported article is missing some/all of the citation information (title, author, journal, etc.).

A.  Unfortunately, this sometimes happens. You will need to manually add the correct information.

Q.  How do I create a new collection?

A.  You can create collections on both the desktop and web versions of Mendeley. Under the "Collections" heading on the left hand menu bar, click on "New Collection" and select a name. To add articles to a collection, simply drag and drop.

Q.  How do I form a group?

A.  You can create your own groups on both the desktop and web versions of Mendeley! Under the "Groups" heading on the left hand menu bar, click on "New Group" and select a name. To invite new members, select "manage group", then "invite members". To add articles you want to share with the group, simply drag and drop.

Q. How much free storage space does Mendeley offer? How much does it cost to bump up to a higher level account?

A. 2GB, which allows you to save about 3,000 PDF and/or html articles. Here are the available packages for those needing additional storage space.

Q. Can I access Mendeley from a campus computer?

A.  Yes, you can log in to your Mendeley account and access the web version from any computer, including those in the library.