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Mendeley: Installing and setting up Mendeley Reference Manager

A how-to manual for the reference management tool, Mendeley

Mendeley Reference Manager

Step 1: Creating a Mendeley Account

When creating a Mendeley account, it is very important that you do not use the “Sign in via your institution” option, as SU does not have this integration with Mendeley. Also, when prompted to create a password, do not use the same password that you use for your SU accounts, as this may prevent you from logging in to the desktop applications.

 

To register for a Mendeley account, click here

Step 2: Download Mendeley Reference Manager

Mendeley Reference Manager provides seamless integration with Mendeley's online services and it allows you to work on MS Word Online and other online platforms. Download Mendeley Reference Manager by visiting the following page: https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/reference-manager

Download Now

Step 3: Install Mendeley Cite

You need Mendeley Cite to be able to do 'in-text citations' and automatically add your bibliography based on your preferred referencing style. To install Mendeley Cite for Word or other devices go to  "Tools" on Mendeley Reference Manager and click on "Install"... and select the plug-in you wish to add. 

Download Mendeley Cite. It is under the Tools dropdown tab in Mendeley Reference Manager.

 

Step 4: Install the Web Importer

The Web Importer allows you to save references while you are searching for information on any database such as ScienceDirect or even Google Scholar. Download the web importer for any web browser, by following the instructions you will find at:

https://www.mendeley.com/reference-management/web-importer/

Import to Mendeley Link

Selecting or installing your preferred referencing style

There are various styles that are used at Stellenbosch University. Most of them are standard styles that can easily be accessed via Mendeley Cite. The default style for Mendeley is APA 7th Edition, so if you need to use a different style, then follow these steps:

In Mendeley Cite (the add-on in MS Word, not Mendeley Reference Manager), select Citation Settings:

Then click on Change Citation Style. Here you will have a list of the most popular standardised styles that are available, including APA 7, Vancouver, Chicago, etc. They can all be used as is.

However, Stellenbosch University also has its own Harvard referencing style and this custom style needs to be installed. In the same window as above, you will see there are two options. To install SU Harvard, click on Add a custom style. Copy and then paste the below URL where it says Enter custom style URL:

http://csl.mendeley.com/styles/559292421/Stellenbosch-University-Harvard-2023

Then at the bottom of the Mendeley Cite window, click on Update citation style. You will then have installed the custom SU Harvard style.