How to create and manage a library in Mendeley?
Creating and managing a library in Mendeley involves organizing academic references and PDFs using its cloud-based desktop application or web interface. It primarily serves as a reference manager where users import scholarly content, establish personal collections, and access them across devices after signing up for a Mendeley account and installing the software.
Key management tasks include importing references via PDF drag-and-drop, manual entry, online database searches, or identifier input like DOI. Effective organization relies on creating labeled folders and applying descriptive tags; maintaining accurate metadata through Mendeley's automated retrieval feature is essential. Synchronization ensures consistency across devices, while deduplication prevents redundant entries. Consistent PDF naming during import aids searchability.
Implementation begins by installing Mendeley Desktop and signing in. Add documents by dragging files into the application or using the "Add Documents" button. Organize items by creating folders in the left panel and assigning tags via the right-hand detail pane; regular manual checks of metadata accuracy are recommended. Annotate PDFs directly within the Mendeley viewer. Finally, utilize the synchronization function to ensure seamless access to the curated collection across the desktop, web, and mobile applications, facilitating efficient literature organization for research and citation.
