To add a URL in EndNote, especially when citing a website, you create a new reference and set its type to 'Web Page', then input the URL into the designated field. This is the primary method for incorporating web addresses into your EndNote library.
How to Add a Web Page Reference with a URL in EndNote Desktop
Adding a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) in EndNote is typically done as part of creating a reference for a website or online document. EndNote Desktop provides a specific reference type, 'Web Page', that includes a dedicated field for the URL, ensuring your citations are complete and accurate.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding a Web Page Reference
Follow these steps in EndNote Desktop to add a new web page reference and include its URL:
- Open EndNote Desktop: Launch your EndNote library.
- Navigate to New Reference:
- In EndNote Desktop, select References from the top menu bar.
- Choose New Reference from the dropdown menu.
- A blank template will open, typically with the Reference Type set to 'Journal'.
- Change the Reference Type:
- At the top of the blank reference template, locate the 'Reference Type' dropdown menu.
- Click on it and select Web Page from the list. This action changes the available fields to those relevant for a web page.
- Enter URL and Other Details:
- Once 'Web Page' is selected, you will see specific fields appear. Scroll down to find the URL field.
- Paste or type the full URL into this field. Ensure it is accurate and complete (e.g.,
https://www.example.com/your-page-title). - Fill in other essential fields for the web page, such as:
- Author: The individual or organization responsible for the content.
- Year: The publication or last update year of the content.
- Title: The title of the specific web page.
- Access Date: Crucially, enter the date you accessed the web page (e.g., February 9, 2024). This is vital for web references as online content can change.
- Other fields like Short Title, Place Published, and Keywords can also be utilized for more comprehensive records.
- Save the Reference:
- After entering all the necessary information, close the reference window. EndNote will automatically prompt you to save the changes. Confirm to save the new web page reference to your library.
Key Fields for a Web Page Reference
Understanding the purpose of each field ensures a robust and reliable reference. Here’s a summary of the most important fields when adding a web page:
| Field Name | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Type | Specifies the type of source; select 'Web Page' for online content. | Web Page |
| URL | The complete web address of the online content. This is where the URL is stored. | https://www.endnote.com/support/ |
| Author | The individual(s) or organization(s) responsible for creating the content. | Clarivate or Doe, J. |
| Year | The year the content was published or last updated. | 2023 |
| Title | The specific title of the web page or document. | EndNote Desktop: How to Use |
| Access Date | The exact date you retrieved the information from the URL. Essential for dynamic web content. | 2024-02-09 |
| Abstract | A brief summary of the web page's content. | Summary of the page's information. |
| Keywords | Relevant terms that help categorize and search for the reference within your library. | citation, referencing, web, software |
Tips for Effective URL Management in EndNote
- Always include an Access Date: Because web content can be updated or removed, the access date verifies when you viewed the information, which is critical for reproducibility.
- Verify URL Accuracy: Double-check the URL to ensure it is correct and accessible. A broken URL renders the reference less useful.
- Consider Permalink/Archival Links: If available, use permalinks or links to archived versions (e.g., via the Wayback Machine) to ensure long-term accessibility of the source.
- Use the Notes Field for Context: If there are specific instructions or observations about the URL or web page, add them to the 'Notes' field for future reference.
By following these steps, you can effectively add URLs as part of your web page references in EndNote, ensuring your research is well-documented and traceable.
