Setting Up a New Reference Library

Click the Create a new library graphic.

You will see a dialogue box like this, with My EndNote Library.enl as the name of the new library:

In the Save in box, select the folder where you wish to save the library. In the File name box, type a name for your library. Click on Save. You should see a new library window, like this:

The Tab Pane at the bottom of the library window will show you what your formatted references look like. It is also used for searching your library or a remote database. To close the Tab Pane, click on Hide Tab Pane.

The Groups Pane at the left of the library window allows you to organise your references into groups. You can close the Groups Pane by clicking on the Groups option on the top menu bar and selecting Hide Groups.

More about EndNote libraries

The file extension .enl stands for EndNote Library. A library is just a file on your computer, like any other file. It can be copied, renamed, deleted, moved to another folder or compressed.

Backing up your EndNote Library

It is very important to make back-up copies of your library regularly and store them on another drive. An easy way to back-up your library is to go to the File option on the menu bar, and select Compressed Library.

When EndNote creates the library, it will also create a .DATA folder which contains various files connected with the library.

When you compress the library, EndNote will include the .DATA folder.

A compressed library can be uncompressed by using the File>Open command.

The library window can be resized or maximised, like any other window