Importing References - EndNote - The University of Auckland Library

ENDNOTE - Importing References
In addition to manually entering information into your EndNote library you can often use one of the following three methods to transfer information from a Library database to your EndNote library.
Direct Export Import Filter Connection File
Direct Export Direct exporting is the quickest and easiest method for getting references from a database into EndNote. Not all databases offer a direct export option. To check the EndNote compatibility of a specific Library database that you wish to use refer to the Connect Page for that database. Be sure to scroll down to the “EndNote” section towards the bottom of the database Connect Page. To find the exact steps for direct exporting results to EndNote it is often useful to check the help option in a database. Alternately you can check the Direct Export Formats and Import Formats section of the EndNote Manual. Main EndNote Page
Import Filter If the database you are searching does not have a Direct Export option you will need to use an Import Filter to move references from the database to EndNote. *A Filter is...* a file that contains information instructing EndNote how to import references contained in a data file. A data file consists of records captured or saved from a database. A filter instructs EndNote exactly how to interpret the information in your data file, and maps the information in its records to the corresponding fields in EndNote. Each filter is designed to work with a unique database provided by a single database provider. EndNote comes with hundreds of standard Import Filters that correspond with most of the Library databases that don’t have a direct export option. For information on how to use an Import Filter refer to "Using Import Filters" in the latest EndNote handout. In some cases the Import Filter you require may not be available in EndNote, these filters can often be downloaded from the Extra Filters page. Main EndNote Page
Online Search / Connection File An online search allows you to connect directly to a database, search it from within the EndNote program, and save your search results directly into your EndNote library. EndNote stores the information necessary to connect to and search these online databases in individual connection files. Using online search is not recommended because EndNote’s search software is much less sophisticated than that of many databases, such as those available from the Library website. The one instance where it is advantageous to use online search is when you are searching the Library Catalogue. Further information on this process is available from the latest EndNote handout and the EndNote - Catalogue page.

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Last updated: March 5, 2012