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Bibliography formatting software: evaluation grid
A head-to-head comparison between ProCite and EndNote (Researchsoft
products)
1st draft edition, last updated May 6, 1999; now available 2nd ed.: August 18, 1999
di Francesco Dell'Orso (in linea da maggio 1999)
Introduction
Bibliography formatting software (also called personal bibliographic
managers or reference manager databases etc.) are a group of
programs designed to help users in compiling bibliographies and managing
textual records in one or more databases.
Originally, these packages were specifically conceived to facilitate the
so-called tedious task of writing papers with all their bibliographic
citations. To switch from one style format (e.g. Chicago to Turabian or to
APA) should just be the matter of a selection: hundreds of citing styles are
there and more can be added by the user himself to fit the requirements for
publishers and scientific journals.
Bibliography formatting software packages have evolved significantly since their first
appearance in the early 80's, and now
can be seen as a tool for completely managing textual databases.
Not only do they take care of the output process: they also provide
functions to import data derived from electronic sources, to sort records,
to search by means of Boolean operators and to edit data using indexes. Their
object is not to be exclusively bound to bibliographic citations, but more
generally to textual data. However, "bibliography" still remains their
peculiarity, having a feature that distinguishes them from any other -more or less similar- textual database
manager program: the so-called "manuscript formatting" procedure.
This process consists in inserting
references to database records into a document prepared by means of a
word processor, in order to eventually have all the in-text citations and
the final reference list automatically generated and formatted within the
document.
Librarians and information professionals would benefit from a closer glance
at this kind of product as it is the most specific
bibliographical computerized tool that their users might employ. Thanks to downloading and
importing routines, these software packages play a role in facilitating
information and data communication between local or remote catalogues and
the end-user.
There are numerous information sources on bibliography
formatting software on the web, from producers' home pages to review sites
including documents showing evaluation charts.
I have published several
articles -in Italian- on this kind of software, mostly in the professional
journal Biblioteche Oggi (ISSN 0392-8586). Thus I have tried to describe
in depth the general and product-specific characteristics of this kind
of software. The document that I am presenting here is my first attempt to
publish something on the web in English: it is not a general overview, but
quite the opposite, i.e. a detailed analysis of two outstanding products:
ProCite and EndNote, now both belonging to the ISI's new company
Researchsoft.
This first draft edition of the table does not aim at
exploiting the various advantages of HTML formatting: so far it has to be
taken as an online version of a printed document. Hopefully, its content
will be enhanced with other product analysis and with a more hypertext-like
layout. Also, links to field-relevant web resources will be added. An
Italian version of the table is due and a US mirror as well.
Quite
evidently, English is not my first language and while I apologize for
mistakes and spelling errors, I encourage any reader to send me his comments
and corrections.
Francesco Dell'Orso, University of Perugia (Italy) dellorso@unipg.it
Table of contents
Legend
1 Identity card
2 Installation and start
3 General
4 Database and record structure
5 Input/Edit
6 Import
7 Search
8 Thesaurus
9 Output and Print
10 FL-Formatting language to define output styles
11 Sort
12 Export
13 Manuscript formatting
14 Term /Entry list - authority file
15 Documentation
Legend
Multiple choice: when choice is multiple (e.g. 1. 2. 3. etc.) numbers
mean "yes", its absence means "no: lack of the feature", unless a note
states otherwise
Commands: menus are indicated between double quotes, specific commands
within menus or selection panels are introduced by an arrow, e.g. "Edit"
-> Show clipboard, means: "open the Edit menu and select Show clipboard"
Cells in italics normally contain personal remarks and notes that can
be disregarded: eventually they might be excluded
File names are normally in upper case, e.g.: ALTERNATE.TXT, fn.JPL
En: = EndNote Windows 3.1.0 (Researchsoft) <http://www.researchsoft.com>,
<http://www.endnote.com>
A/D = ascending / descending sort order
b/e = beginning / end of field or record
db = database
dbn = database name
fn.XXX = filename + name extension
FL = formatting language, i.e.: set of commands to define output styles
n: many, undefinite quantity
kw = keyword
l/r = left/right
n.a. = not applicable
placeholder = string entered in the typed text, within markers -delimiters- that will match records in db
Pr: = ProCite Windows 4.0.3 (Researchsoft) <http://www.researchsoft.com>, <http://www.procite.com>
RT = reference or record type
RN = record number
sw = software
wp = word processor
x-refs = cross reference (see, see also...)
1 Identity card. |
Procite:
Product: ProCite version 4.03 Windows;
(include import module Biblio-Link
previously separately available)
O.S. Windows 95/98/NT: cross compatibility
with version 4.03 Power Macintosh; still
available
version 3.4 Windows 3.1;
Updates frequency: undefined; International
Users' Group: no; Regular official
meetings: no; Journal or News Bulletin:
"Newsletter for The Personal Bibliographic
Software Discussion List", e-mail version,
ed. by Mark T. Day (listowner)
Other versions: standalone read only: yes:
"Data distributor"; in other languages: no;
demo: yes, via Internet, fill out a form
at: <http://www.procite.com/pc4form.html>;
network: yes (read-only); for 5 users ca
$US 1.400;
Assistance: e-mail: tech@risinc.com
Price: ca $US 300 + handling and shipping
(special educationsl prices
Producer: as of April 15, 1999 the new
company's name is: ResearchSoft 800 Jones
Street, 94710 Berkeley, CA (USA) (tel. 01-760-438-5526, fax: 01-760-438-5526) made up
of merging Niles Software, Inc. and RIS
Research Information Systems, Carlsbad CA
previous producer of ProCite; e-mail:
sales@ris.risinc.com
Distribution in Europe: Research
Information Systems. Brunel Science Park,
Building 1, Brunel University -- Uxbridge,
UB8 3PQ (UK). Tel.: 0044-1895-270016 Fax:
0044-1895-258859
FTP: <http://www.procite.com/pc/pcftp.html>
WWW: <http://www.procite.com>
Discussion list: PROCITE: The Personal
Bibliographic Software Discussion List
subscribe <mailto:
LISTSERV@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU> (nothing in
"Subject:") message: ÇSUBSCRIBE PROCITE
[Name Lastname]È Communications:
<mailto:PROCITE@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU>.
List's archives:
<http://listserv.indiana.edu/archives/procite.html>, see also:
<http://www.indiana.edu/~librcsd/procite/> |
Endote:
Product: EndNote version Windows 3.1.0
(includes import module previously
separately available as EndLink): O.S.:
Windows 95 (or higher) or Windows 3.x.;
cross compatibility between MacIntosh and
DOS version without need to convert
database
Updates frequency: undefined; International
Users' Group: no; Regular official
meetings: no; Journal or News Bulletin: no
Other versions: standalone read only: no;
in other languages: no; demo: yes, via
Internet, fill out a form at:
<http://www.endnote.com/home/demo.htm>;
network: yes (read-only) requires license
adequate to total number of concurrent
users
Assistance: per e-mail: pc-support@niles.com
Price: ca $US 300 + handling and shipping
(special prices and discounts for more than
5 copies).
Producer: as of April 15, 1999 the new
company's name is: ResearchSoft 800 Jones
Street, 94710 Berkeley, CA (USA). Tel.:
(01-519) 559-8592 Fax: (01-510) 559-8683
(made up of merging Niles Software, Inc.
and RIS Research Information Systems,
Carlsbad CA); e-mail: register@niles.com;
info@niles.com
Distribution in Europe: in 6 countries
<http://www.niles.com/home/Contact.htm>
FTP: <ftp://ftp.niles.com/pub>, utilities:
<http://www.niles.com/home/help/FRF.htm>
WWW: http://www.niles.com
Discussion listENDNOTE-INTEREST:
subscribe:<mailto:LISTSERV@RESEARCHSOFT.COM
(nothing in "Subject:") message: ÇSUBSCRIBE
ENDNOTE-INTEREST [Nome e Cognome]È>;
communications: <mailto:
ENDNOTE-INTEREST@RESEARCHSOFT.COM> |
CPU Processor: 80486 (Pentium recommended)
OS: Windows 95, Windows NT4 or higher
RAM: 8MB (16MB recommended)
Hard-disk space: ca 10Mb
Additional Hardware: Mouse + Monitor (SVGA)
800x600 + Floppy drive or CD-ROM + printer
Additional Software: MS-WinWord 7, 97;
WordPerfect 7, 8; Netscape for NetCite to
capture HTML pages
Number of databases: undefined
Number of databases simultaneously open:
undefined
Number of record per database: unlimited,
max 100.000 (recommended)
Number of characters per record: undefined
Number of characters per field: 32.000
(variable length)
Number of record types and input
worksheets: 39 + others user definable
Number of fields: max 45 (all of variable
length)
Number of citing styles for output: ca 340
+ others user definable with no limitations
Number of import filters: hundreds +
others definable via Biblio-Link
Length of indexable keys: 255 chars
Number of search/input indexes/lists: 4
predefined + other user definable
Index size: undefined
Number of entries per list: undefined |
CPU Processor: Windows: 80386 25MHz [sic]
(higher recommended) -- MacIntosh: PowerMac
(120Mhz)
OS: Windows 3.x + Win32s extension, Windows
95, Windows NT4 or higher (not under OS/2)
RAM: 8Mb
Hard-disk space: 6-10Mb (+ ca 6.5 virtual
memory under Windows 3.x)
Additional Hardware: Mouse + Monitor VGA
(SVGA) 800x600 + Floppy drive + printer
Additional Software: Add-in for manuscript
formatting: MS-Word 6, 7, 97; WordPerfect
6.1-8; any Internet browser
Number of databases: undefined
Number of databases simultaneously open:
undefined
Number of record per database: 32.000 or
32Mb hard-disk space
Number of characters per record: 64.000
Number of characters per field: 32.000
(variable length)
Number of record types and input
worksheets: 17 + 1 custom
Number of fields: max 26 + 4 user definable
(all of variable length) + record number
and record type
Number of citing styles for output: > 300 +
can define others with no limitations: each
is a separate file (more, freeware, at:
<http://www.niles.com/home/help/FRF.htm>)
Number of import filters: hundreds, see at:
<http://www.endnote.com/home/help/Filters.htm> + conversion utilities at:
<http://www.endnote.com/home/help/conversion.htm>
Length of indexable keys: 255 chars
Number of search/input indexes/lists: 3
predefined, max 31
Index size: undefined
Number of entries per list: undefined |
2 Installation and start. 1.Guided installation 2. Uninstall |
Pr: 1 |
En: 1 2 |
can choose default directories and change
afterwards from within |
no internal directories setting 8apart form
online): Windows -> Open file |
2.1 Password. 1. access 2. specific tasks 3. files 4. fields |
Pr: none |
En: none |
3 General. |
3.1 Network version.
1. Multi-user network version
2. All functions available
3. Some functions can be protected (e.g. search, input, output
availabe to many but not management: rebuild, import ...)
4. one write access vs. many read accesses (read = search,
print, manuscript formatting)
5. many write accesses and many read
6. Read only version |
Pr: 4, 6: ÇData distributorÈ is a read-only
single user version: can just read database |
En: 4 Besides: mixed versions network:
(Macintosh & Windows) Individual
preferences file on different users
machines |
No record-locking. Not really a "network version" |
No record-locking. Not really a "network version". Anyhow,
must purchase individual licence for each user. |
3.2 Internet.
1. can use different browsers
2. can automatically import/capture of WWW page
3. Launch URL from within a record
4. Can print HTML output
5. client Z39.50
6. can post database to the WWW that can be dynamically
searched |
Pr: 1 any; 2 yes (Netscape only): special
function that catches title tag + text and
transforms it into an editable record; not
avail. in the Mac version; 3; 4: very
basic, URLs are static, cannot be opened; 5
external "companion" sw: BookWhere? with
(in/)direct export to ProCite 6 companion
RIS software Reference Web Poster to post
(RefMan, ProCite, EndNote) databases to the
www |
En: 1 any (see: Online Preferences); 3; 4
very basic, URLs are static, cannot be
opened; 5 yes internal |
3.3 Available Functions: summary.
1. Search
2. Remote search (Z39.50)
3. Print
4. Export
5. Sort
6. Input/Cataloguing
7. Global corrections
8. Import
9. Reformatting during import
10. Input via catching www pages
11. Manuscript formatting (also from within the wp)
12. Managing term lists
13. Thesaurus
14. Duplicates detection
15. Circulation (Loans)
16. Can activate external files and applications (OLE or OS'
Shell)
17. Compute
18. Graphic files management |
Pr: 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 16 OLE |
En: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 16 |
3.4 Internal database management.
1. Create
2. Rename
3. Copy
4. Delete
5. Undelete
6. Rebuild
7. Save
8. Compress (release space)
9. Record undelete
10. Revert global corrections |
Pr: 1 2 3 4 6 (8=6) |
En: 1 |
6 rebuild makes a copy and releases disk
space, but erases groups and record list
configuration ... |
|
3.5 Functions across different databases.
1. search
2. print
3. global corrections
4. duplicate detection
5. manuscript formatting |
Pr: 5 |
En:5 (with Add-in) |
3.6 Database subsets. 1. retrieved records 2. highlighted records 3.
marked records 4. virtual set |
Pr: 1 2 3 4 |
En: 1 2 |
input/edit: 1 3 4; export: 3; print: 1 2 3 4 (default:
marcked); global corrections: 3; delete records: 3
can mark records in various ways: a) browsing, one at the
time or all together; toggle to un/mark; b) while edit a
record; toggle to un/mark; c) exchange un/marked sets;
toggle to un/mark; d) ad hoc command to unmark all |
|
3.7 Other library functions. (e.g. acquisitions, periodicals control
...) 1. built-in 2. can integrate |
Pr: no |
En: no |
3.8 Data type. 1. textual (also ANSI 128-255) 2. numeric 3. graphic
4. sound 5. bar codes |
Pr: 1 3 OLE 4 OLE |
En: 1, 3 and 4 external via Windows Shell |
2: format and sort dates and Call number in
a special way |
|
3.9 Macros. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
3.10 Mouse. 1. right click 2. drag-and-drop |
Pr: 1 2 |
En: 1 |
4 Database and record structure. |
4.1 Files. |
Pr: 2 files: dbn.PDT dbn.PDX (respectfully:
data and indexes) |
En: 1 file: dbn.ENL. "Preferences" and
"Reference types" in ENDNOTE.ENP |
4.2 Internal database and record structure. |
Pr: only vertical: Database Record
Fields Subfields (where available:
automatic and limited: names, dates, "call
numbers" |
En: only vertical: Database Record
Fields Subfields (names only) |
4.3 Horizontal links. between databases, records, lists' entries |
Pr: no ("group" is a virtual duplication of
-pointer to- records) |
En: no |
4.4 Hierarchical links. (es. thesaurus, mother/sons records,
text/notecards) |
Pr: no |
En: no |
Pr: some fields generate indexes which are
entirely derived (automatically created and
updated), cannot be directly edited. Field
data and list contents (sort of look-up)
can be "crossed" in output to replace text:
ÇstringÈ + alternate.txt ; journal field +
journal.lst |
En: Term Lists can be regarded as
autonomous (see##): their content can be
imported from external text, updated from
records, directly edited.
Field data and list contents (sort of look-up) can be "crossed" in output to replace
text: secondary title (journal) field +
journal list 8with up to three
abbreviations) |
4.5 Ready, predefined record structure. |
Pr: yes (workform), can be shared among
different databases |
En: yes (reference type), they are
automatically shared among different
databases (ENDNOTE.ENP: unless -in a
network- placed on different users' drives) |
4.6 Input worksheets. 1. features 2. can be modified 3. can create
others |
Pr: 1: 39 workforms -with varying fields-
for books, articles. e-mail, thesis etc.;
fields bear "step" displayed name: total
number is fixed max 45; fields are
identified by a number which determinates
their position: number is fixed across al
the workforms; some fields (*see below)
have properties (internal coding, indexing,
output formatting, sort...) that cannot
lose or transfer to other fields.
2: yes, given abovementioned constraints,
can add, delete, move, rename fields;
attributes cannot be changed
3: yes n, each is a file |
En: 1: 18 reference types -with varying
fields- for book, articles, e-source etc.;
fields bear "step" displayed name: total
number is fixed max 30; fields are
identified by the number they bear in the
Generic RT which determinates their
position: number is fixed across al the
workforms; some fields (*see below) have
peculiarities (internal coding, indexing,
output formatting, sort...) that cannot
loose or lend to other fields.
2: yes, given abovementioned constraints,
can add, delete, move, rename fields;
attributes cannot be changed
3: yes, only one |
e.g. '5' is either "data file" or "medium designator" or
"map type" in 3 different workform: Data file, Newspaper,
Map;
if RT "Newspaper" -whereby 5 = "medium designator"- gets
changed to "Journal Short form" which lack 5, 5 stays
there with its content with no name, just number and can
be edited; (*)campi: names (1,7,16,30), titles
(4,9,10,11,32), dates (12,20,21), pages (25), URL (38)
keywords (45), call number (44) bear peculiarities; no
numeric fields apart from RN for sorting; internal pub.
date format, CALL NUMBER for sorting); if fields names are
changed, styles are affected |
(*) names, journal titles, pages, URL, keywords bear
peculiarities; if a field is deleted from RT, exisitng
record content is put to corresponding Generic RT field
renamed; no numeric fields apart from RN for sorting;; if
fields names are changed, styles are affected
[very good RT table, with bad opoerability] |
4.7 Multiples (multi-value) fields. 1. present/absent 2. specific
input rules |
Pr: 1: names and kw as for the output;
automatic indexes only for names and
keywords; sort for any field provided
occurrences are separated by: / <CR> <Ctrl-CR> <Shift-Enter> // or ; in author field
2: separators for names and kw and see 1 |
En: names as for the output (not kw); no
headings sort; lists can recognize one
(different) separator in every single
field; <CR> always fine
2: separators see 1 |
4.8 Indexed fields for searching. |
Pr: all fields content is automatically
indexed, out of user's control; each
character (right/left truncation), word,
phrase, is indexed, without stopwords, and
thus retrievable |
Pr: all fields content is automatically
indexed, out of user's control (apart form
QuickIndexes); each character (right/left
truncation), word, phrase, is indexed,
without stopwords, and thus retrievable |
4.9 Record number.
1. system assigned
2. reserved, cannot be altered
3. user assigned
4. allows duplicate numbers
5. number increment also 1
6. renumbering
7. is a sortable field
8. is a searchable field
9. can be displayed in printed output
10. reuse deleted numbers |
Pr: 1 3 (if wanted); 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
En: 1 2 6 (only if copied to another
database with records) 7 for output; only
temporarily for the database 8 |
5 Input/Edit. |
5.1 Reference Standard. |
Pr: ANSI Z39.29 (1977) |
En: none |
5.2 How to recall records to edit. 1. list browsing 2. query search
3. while editing another record |
Pr: 1 2 3: yes internal buttons for
next/previous, first/last of the selected
set |
En: 1 2 3 no* |
5.3 Input must be preceeded by searching. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
5.4 Compulsory input within certain fields. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
5.5 Particular edit features.
1. copy fields and/or records
2. symbols table
3. term lists
4. date stamping
5. undo
6. default (session and/or permanent)
7. validation
8. configure edit window |
Pr: 1: yes from previously opened record:
<Shift-F5> copy record, <F5> copy one
field; 2; 3 yes, direct buttons + other 4)
no (reprint date can be automatic); 5; 7 no
(only date format is checked); 8 yes (
invisible chars, empty fields, field
numbers, index buttons...) |
En: 1 no (record can be copied on the short
list); 2 no*; 3 5 |
5.6 Spellchecker. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
5.7 Direct print of a record. |
Pr: yes, but not while editing a record |
En: yes, but not while editing a record |
5.8 Duplicate record. 1. drag-and-drop 2. copy command 3. clipboard
(formatted) 4. export/print on disco 8also formatted) |
Pr: 1 2 3 4 |
En: 1 2 3 4 |
3: copy formatted only to RTF compatible
(compliant?) software; can copy also In-text citation |
3 clipboard, edit -> Copy only In-text
citation |
5.9 Duplicates detection. 1. fixed criterium 2. criterium can be
defined |
Pr: 2: can use all fields + special
options: surname only, year only |
En: 1 |
5.10 Editor. 1. upper/lowercase conversion 2. cut/paste text 3.
beginning/end record 4. b/e field 5. delete to End-Of-Field |
Pr: field editor; 2 4 |
En: field editor; 3 |
5.11 Font editing. font, size, bold, italics, underline,
super/subscript, small caps |
Pr: yes, all; no small caps |
En: yes, all; no small caps |
5.12 Global corrections. 1. add string (b/e) 2. locate/replace (words,
case) 3. delete entire field content 4. move field content 5. change
record type |
Pr: 1 2 3 4 5 |
En: 1 2 3 |
6 Import. |
6.1 Different ways. 1. direct copy (write to database) 2. batch
import a) with user defined reformatting filters 3. can capture WWW
pages |
Pr: 1 copy and drag-and-drop 2, 2a)
requires use of the distinct BiblioLink
procedure 3 yes, embedded (only Netscape) |
En: 1 copy and drag-and-drop 2, 2a) |
|
|
|
6.2 Delimited/tabbed stuctured input ASCIItext file.
1. fixed/variable number of fields 2. fixed/variable fields position
3. record/reference type can be changed 4. multiple value fields
allowed 5. fields also on different lines |
Pr: 1 fixed or variable 2 fixed 3 no,
must be present or last used in data entry
by default 4 yes, if separated by // / or
; in name field 5 yes (Custom/Modify
option) |
En: ready-made option for ProCite (CDF)
cannot be altered, tabbed: 1 2 3; 4 5 n.a. |
2: Custom and/or Modify: field total number: 45+2, 45, or
only workform related; RT first field or -by default- last
used in data entry
Options: separator; delimiter and its replacement if
embedded; end of record; RT; RN; akk 45 fields |
tabbed: special first line: default reference type, also
default=generic + RT in first column of each row; first
row with fields labels according to EndNote (Unused too),
no fixed position require; recognizes multiple authors |
6.3 Can import alpha/numeric data from a spreadsheet. |
Pr: yes as long as it is comma/tab delim.
structure compliant |
En: yes as long as tab structured |
6.4 Can import proprietary format files. |
Pr: only modifiable dedicated filters (see
further on) |
En: yes: EndNote, Refer/BibIX, Reference
Manager (tagged), ProCite CDF (see above):
canned cannot be altered + several with
modifiable dedicated filters (see further
on) |
6.5 Can import ISO 2709 format. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
6.6 Can import MARC format file. |
Pr: no (there existed in DOS) |
En: tagged MARC: modifiable filter |
6.7 Tagged stuctured input ASCII text file File. Reformatting:
1. condition check
2. change RT
3. merge fields
4. delete/discard fields
5. field content parsing
6. add field content, strings
7. log file
8. tolerate fields in variable position
9. upper/lower case conversion |
Pr: 1 only: "when using workform [X], do
not transfer field(s) ..." 2; 3; 4; 5 only
seven source fields; 7 displayed only; 8; 9 |
En: 2 3 4 5 7 displayed only; 8; 9 |
7 Search. |
7.1 Different levels, approaches:.
1. easy / expert
2. menu/command driven
3. browsing term lists / indexes
4. query expressions
5. browsings record list |
Pr: 1 yes (3) browsing indexes + quick
"Find" + assisted command driven (2); 2
command driven, assisted by buttons but
syntax errors are possible; 3 4 5 |
En: 1 one QBE-query by example template,
also controls syntax 4 5 |
Short Record list browsing is default window: one rec. per
line can choose any field up to six; quick find: enter
string based upopn sort key; sort on any displayed field
by clicking the column field bar |
Short record list browsing is default window: one rec. per
line can add only RN to fixed: author, date, title. Cannot
use term lists here |
7.2 Search Index browsing. 1. entries show number of related doc. 2.
relationships (e.g. x-refs) between entries are displayed 3. direct
selection of index terms and display of related documents |
Pr: 1 2 n.a 3 |
En: n.a. |
7.3 Query expressions. |
Pr: assisted by command buttons to select:
fields, operators, terms, previuos queries |
En: assisted by template and buttons to
select fields, operators, (options: word,
indexes); lists' terms are available by
open cut/paste |
7.4 Natural language queries. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
7.5 Search stragey.
1. can save and recall search expressions
2. can recall previous queries within the same session
3. can combine previous search steps |
Pr:: 1 yes, many (Expressions -> Add) 2
only if explicitly saved and named 3 yes,
new expression can cumulate previous
queries still fully editable |
En: 1 just one (Set default) 3 no, only
search on result |
7.6 Can save and recall search result. |
Pr: yes Groups |
En: no |
7.7 Shows hits of each search expression component. |
Pr: no, only total record numer |
En: no, only total record numer |
7.8 Can print directly a record while in search mode. |
Pr: directly send to printer one or more
selected records |
En: directly send to printer one or more
displayed records |
7.9 Refine. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
7.10 Advanced search features. 1. best match, weighted terms, ranking
2. fuzzy, sounds like 3. (hypertext-like) |
Pr: no |
En: no |
7.11 Response time. |
Pr: good |
En: good (QuickIndex -all fileds or kw:
carries limitations- to speed up) |
7.12 Instant display of retrieved records. 1. short record list 2. one
record at the time |
Pr: 1 2 |
En: 1 |
7.13 Highlighting search terms in result ( + jump to next occurrence
of term). |
Pr: no |
En: no |
7.14 Indexing operation. 1. automatic, real time 2. batch |
Pr: 1 automatic when saving a record |
En: 1 automatic when saving a record |
gets slower with increasing size of database and big
records |
gets slower with increasing size of database + QuickIndex |
7.15 Indexing techniques. 1. any character string 2. word by word 3.
phrase (adjacent words) 4. marked portions of fields |
Pr: indexing is ruled only by the system: 1
2 3 |
En:indexing is ruled only by the system: 1
2 3 |
7.16 Scope of searching.
1. one or more distinct fields 1.1 RT included
2. cluster of fields
3. full text = any field
4. same occurrence |
Pr: 1 yes with field indicator 1.1; 2
limited to three clusters; author, title,
date 3 yes, default |
En: 1 pull-down menu selection 1.1; 3 any
field |
1 #38 contains xxx; #45 = ethics or #9 = ethics |
|
7.17 Case sensitiveness. |
Pr: it is not and it cannot be |
En: it is not, but it can be (Case option) |
7.18 Diacritics. |
Pr:: "Göthe" = "Gothe" but "Goethe"
"Göthe"; ø Ø o O |
En: they make difference libertà liberta |
7.19 Can use and nest parenthesis. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes; but implicitly: vertical priority:
first is the inner most |
7.20 Search operators, strings, priority. |
Pr: by using parentheses, first comes the
inner most |
En: vertically: first comes the first cfr.
previous |
7.21 Boolean operators. 1. AND 2. OR 3.NOT (unary) 4. AND NOT
(binary) 5. XOR |
Pr: 1 2 3 4 5 indirectly |
En: 1 2 3 4 5 indirectly (two steps: OR +
omit ref. AND) |
7.22 Relational operators. contains, <>, <, <=, >, >=, range, equal |
Pr: contains, <>, <, <=, >, >=, range: >
and <, equal |
En: contains, <> as "omit", <, <=, >, >=,
range, equal |
7.23 Can combine boolean and relational operators. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
7.24 Truncated search. 1. explicit 2. right 3. left 4. r/l 4.1
implicit 4.2 explicit |
Pr: 1 yes * (ASCII 42) 2 3 4.1 : operator
"contains" |
En: 1 implicit 2 3 but not using indexes
4.1 |
contains is like "equal" = with implicit l/r truncation;
whereas explicit l/r truncation is used with *xxx*, "=",
or is taken as a string itself (no: AUTHOR contains *ale*,
but: AUTHOR contains ale or: AUTHOR = *ale* |
|
7.25 Can search by position. b/e field and/or occurrence |
Pr: yes |
En: no |
BEGINS WITH field or occurrence (names and kw), implicit
right truncation: "D'Alema", AUTHOR BEGINS WITH "D'Alem"
ok; "D'Alem*" not ok); same for |
|
7.26 Search for not/empty fields. |
Pr: yes, #38=EMPTY, #38=NOT EMPTY |
En: yes, empty: "= + field"; not empty: "=
+ field + Omit showing references" (e.g.:
records with the LABEL field: "= LABEL +
Omit") |
7.27 Internal wildcards (e.g. *?). |
Pr: no |
En:no |
7.28 Can combine boolean, relational, parenthesis, truncation etc.. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
7.29 Adjacency and proximity operators. |
Pr: no, but "xxx yyy" is adjacency (with "
" delimiters) |
En: no, but xxx yyy is adjacency (without
delimiters) |
7.30 Search only within the same occurrence of a repeatable field. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
7.31 Search only within the same paragraph (e. g. abstract). |
Pr: no |
En: no |
7.32 Stopwords. |
Pr: no (only for sorting purposes) |
En: no |
7.33 Input allowed while indexing [e.g. batch indexing and big
databases...]. |
Pr: n.a. (real time) |
En: n.a. (real time) |
9 Output and Print. |
9.1 Send output to printer, file, video. |
Pr: yes (instant preview is default) |
En: printer, file, print preview not
available |
9.2 Real bibliography formatting software: offers large quantity of -ready and modifiable- styles, new can be added. |
Pr: yes, 1 proof + 39 Record Types + can
create new; ±340 styles + can create new |
En: yes 1 proof + 18 Record Types + 1
custom; ±300 styles + can create new |
9.3 Structure of system display.
1. short record list
2. one formatted record at the time
3. more formatted records |
Pr: 1 2* 3 only print preview |
En: 1; 2 not really, only: "Edit" -> Copy
formatted + "Edit" -> Show clipboard; 3 no,
needs export and open file |
to change style: "View" -> Configure record
list -> Preview pane -> Output Style ->
[select one]: it used to be much faster in
v. 3.4 |
to change style: "Styles" ->[select one],
when desired Style is in the Style folder,
otherwise "Styles" -> Set styles folder,
[select and then pick] |
9.4 Report generator. |
Pr:
1 choose output style
2 heading
3 sort
4 record numbering (pref/suffix +
justification)
5 indents (first/following lines -hanging)
6 line spacing, eject new page
7 in/exclude #RN, Note, Abstract, Call
Number, Keywords if contained in style
8 short form (all 45 fields available, each
on new line)
9 activate ALTERNAT.TXT matching record
strings between Ç È
10 font type and size
11 margins
12 page numbering (4 options)
Lacks: headers, footers, columns; right
justified record content (only record
number) |
En: within each style:
-sort
-pre/suffix, record numbering and -spacing
included
-page numbering
-journal abbreviation list |
9.5 "Subject list": list with sorted headings from record content 1.
one level 2. more levels (how many) 3. headings only. |
Pr: 1 3 yes, also with total of linked
records |
En: not at all** |
9.6 Output file format 1. RTF 2. Word 3. WP 4. TXT 5. HTML 6. other. |
Pr: 1 2 RTF Word 3 RTF WP 4 5 just static
HTML text: URLs are not active |
En: (as export) 1 4 5 just static HTML
text: URLs are not active |
10 FL-Formatting language to define output styles. |
Pr: mostly made up of:
1 field names
2 two formal instructions: field/string
separator, group istruzione di ÇgruppoÈ*)
3 punctuation (automatic control on double
punct.), spacing, style (bold etc.): as
written
4 many options for names, titles, dates,
pages keywords
5 back slash (ASCII 92) \ marks as mere
text, e.g.: " \Ç " |
En: mostly made up of:
1 field names
2 field/string separator (| + hard space)
3 punctuation, spacing, tab, style (corsivo
etc.)
4 many options for names, titles, pages
keywords
5 ` (ASCII 96) mark as mere text e.g.
`Journal` p^pp. sing/plural |
10.1 FL Selection 1. fields 2. subfields. |
Pr: 1 2 yes: "surname, name", internal date
format |
En: 1 2 "surname, name" with fixed options |
10.2 FL Can add text. 1. in front of/after 2. regardless of field
presence 3. depending on field presence 5. depending on field content |
Pr: 1 2 3 |
En: 1 2 3 |
10.3 FL Can distinguish among occurrences of a repeatable field. 1. by
punctuation -separators 2. because of position / sequence number 3.
can count them |
Pr: 1 2 only partially: names 3 no, but
heading (subject) list can show counter |
En: 1 names (not keywords) 2 partially
names |
10.4 FL Can produce tagged format output (export). |
Pr: yes, as an output style |
En: no* |
10.5 FL can display RT. |
Pr: no |
En: yes |
10.6 FL can produce permuted indexes (words in-out-and context). |
Pr: no |
En: no |
10.7 FL offers conditional commands (IF ... THEN...). |
Pr: not really, but implied by various
options (see names) |
En: not really, but implied by various
options (see names) |
10.8 Upper/lowercase conversion. |
Pr: input: no, output: yes (names, titles,
headings),import (Biblio-Link): yes |
En: import: yes |
10.9 Look-up tables to expand acronyms, abbreviations, replace text. |
Pr: yes: a) text between "Ç..È" (ASCII 174
175) b) field 10: "Journal title" and
relevant list |
En: Journal field ("Secondary title") and
relevant list |
10.10 FL Level of difficulty. |
Pr: rather easy, does not require
programming skills |
En: rather easy, does not require
programming skills |
11 Sort. |
11.1 1. Sorting records within the database 2. sorting records in
output. |
Pr: 1 2 yes, they are different but can
overlap |
En: 1 fixed, only passingly customizable 2
sì; 1 2 sono distinti, e possono
coincidere |
11.2 Basic sort criterium for characters. 1. Windows tables 2. user
defined table (es. ä= ae) |
1 Windows table (system or ProCite?)
Beginning punctuation is always ignored.
Digits are still letters apart from dates
and Call Number |
1 Windows table
Beginning Punctuation is always ignored
default sort (author-year) has got its own
-hidden- criterium |
changing sort criterium / table, requires database
rebuild;
Call (classification) number DDC and LC are taken into
account; dates are converted into an internal format |
|
11.3 Sort keys on different levels. |
Pr: yes, 2 or 3, 6 (A/D) levels for custom
sort order |
En: sì, various ready options; 5 (A/D)
levels for custom sort order |
11.4 How to sort the database. |
Pr: Pull down menu option or mouse click on
the short record list field name bar |
En: Pull down menu option ("Reference" ->
Sort Library) |
11.5 How to sort for printing. |
Pr: ready made options, very easy |
En: within the style (see previous), very
easy |
11.6 Database sort is kept over sessions. |
Pr: yes |
En: no |
11.7 Sort key length can be defined. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
11.8 Sort for printing belongs to output styles or not. |
Pr: belongs to style, but can be altered on
the fly ("File" -> Print -> Configure) |
En: belongs to style, must change style |
11.9 Sort can produce headings above sorted records. |
Pr: yes, only headings too w/o records |
En: no** |
11.10 Sort keys are another item from headings. thus can match or be
different |
Pr: no, they are just the same thing |
En: n.a. |
11.11 Headings might not be displayed within records. |
Pr: yes |
En: n.a. |
11.12 More than one level of sort key as headings. |
Pr: no, only one |
En: n.a. |
11.13 Sort of record under the same sort key. |
Pr: same heading: print sort order |
En: n.a. |
11.14 Sort scope.
1. words
2. single occurrence of a repeatable field
3. marked strings
4 portions of field and subfield
5. whole field |
Pr: (1 in DOS) 2; 4 surname; 5 |
En: 2 authors; 5 |
11.15 Edit can alter the sort value of a string. |
Pr: no, only stopwords |
En: no: out of reach stopwords |
11.16 Conditional commands available for sorting. |
Pr: no, automatic: if field absent then
first or last |
En: no |
11.17 Sort keys derived from different fields. |
Pr: yes; a) when keys are headings
("subject bibl.") any key (single keys can
even be selected on the fly); otherwise: b)
only authors, titles, date |
En: n.a. |
11.18 Sort occurrences of a repeatable field as headings. 1. altogether
2. all separated 3. just one |
Pr: 1; 2 names kw and any entry separated
by //, /, <CR>, <Line Feed> |
En: n.a. |
11.19 Records referenced more than one by different sort headings. |
Pr: records are fully printed each time (no
"light indexes" with cross reference) |
En: n.a. |
11.20 Sort headings can be formatted. |
Pr: yes, bold, underline, italics,
uppercase |
En: n.a. |
11.21 Sorting speed. |
Pr: very good |
En: good |
11.22 Ignore initial articles and punctuation marks. |
Pr: yes, thanks to the modifiable stopword
file: two lists belonging to each database:
general + personal authors |
En: only a an the at the beginning of
titles |
Stopwords cannot be disactivated: must be emptied.
Stopword in beginning position can be preserved if
followed by hard space (Ctrl-Shift-blank) |
Also leading punctuation marks are skipped |
11.23 Can produce indexes referencing records. |
Pr: yes |
En: no |
12 Export. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes, it is the equivalent (replacemnet)
of "printing" |
12.1 Export formats.
1. delimited: comma, tab <CR> or other
2. tagged
3. ISO 2709
4. MARC
5. proprietary format of other database |
Pr: 1 can customize end of field and
record, delimiter character if embedded in
fields;
2 implies choosing or defining a style |
En:
1: already made: tabbed and CDF ProCite
2: already made: EndNote, RIS, Refer,
BibTex; implies choosing or defining a
style, cannot completely design a new one;
5 see 1 2 |
12.2 Fields that can be exported. 1. all 2. some 3. RT 4. RN |
Pr: 1 2 3 4
options: a) all 45 fields i campi comunque,
b) all fields used in the involved
workforms c) just those selected on the fly
+ workform description |
En: 1 2 3 4 |
13 Manuscript formatting. |
Pr: yes
NB only CWYW facility is considered |
En: yes (never called this way, but: Citing
references & Generating Bibliographies)
NB only Add-In facility is considered |
13.1 Compatible wordprocessors. |
Pr: CWYW cite-while-you-write*: WP 7-8,
WORD 7-97; Mac Word 6 98 some 20 localized
versions
|
En: WITH Add-in: WinWord 6, 7 97; WPWin
6.1-8.0 also localized versions |
|
[w/o Add-in: Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, AmiPro, RTF,
HTML, ANSI TXT -- Mac: AppleWorks (Mac), FrameMaker
(Mac), WriteNow, Nisus, MacWrite] |
13.2 On-line -contextual- Help. |
Pr: yes, not really contextual |
En: yes, not contextual |
13.3 Can format more than on document at the time. |
Pr: no |
En: no |
13.4 Can generate bibliography from more than one database at the
time. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes with Add-in [w/o no] |
13.5 Entering placeholders within text.
1 from within wp text (ad hoc tool bar and/or pull down
integrated menu): 1a manually writing; 1b automatic insert;
2 from within db: 2a ad hoc command (operational in-text
placeholder); 2b via clipboard (in-text format has to comply
with placeholder format) |
Pr: 1a 1b: searching in db CWYW; also: a)
multiple selection, b) selection between
multiple matches, c) marked records
selection; 2b Copy special: formatted or
In-text also cumulative: more record for
one multiple citationm |
1a 1b not searching db but capturing
selected records 2a (Copy) 2b Copy
formatted |
13.6 Location for placeholders. 1. main text 2. end/footnote 3. hidden
text |
Pr: 1 2 3 |
En: 1 2 3 |
13.7 Content and structure of placeholders. 1. author name (1a any
order); 2. title; 3. keywords; 4. date; 5. RN; 6. one or more, also
truncated; string from any field; 7. delimiters/markers can be changed
8. within the same stile as many as RT |
Pr: : 1 1a 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 no: one in-text
style format for all RT |
En: 1 4 5 7 8 no: one in-text style format
for all RT |
13.8 Different references same author same year. 1. must differentiate
within db (1990b) 2. program can distinguish them; 3. must
differentiate within text |
Pr: 1 [2 sometimes; not clear] 3 |
En: 2 (Style - sort - letter after year) |
13.9 Multiple citation (same or different authors). 1. can sort; 2. can
join: 2-5; 3. can suppress repeated names; 4. can insert text |
Pr: 1 name / citation order / date A/D;2 3
(manually add /d) 4 /pt /ft |
1 2 3(manually) 4 |
13.10 Final in-text citation format is different from placeholder. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
13.11 Final in-text citation format is ruled by ad hoc style within db.
made up of:
1. citation number;
2. author-date;
3. other;
4. shortened version of complete bibliographic reference;
5. two styles: in-text vs. note;
6. nothing |
Pr: : 1 2 3 4 6 |
1 2 3 4 5 6 |
13.12 Changes to in-text citation standard format. 1. add text (in front
of / after); 2. hide portion; 3. hide completely; 4. put only in the
list, exclude in-text; 5. first different from its repetitions |
Pr: 1 2 3 4 |
1 2 3 (if only NR) 4 5 (only as far as
authors names are concerned) |
13.13 Bibliographic reference list format ruled by db style different for
each RT. 1. generated within wp text; 2. generated in a copy of wp
text; 3. settings remain for next session; 4. can automatically exclude
citations placed in notes; 5. list can include references not shown as
in-text citations |
Pr: 1 3 5 |
1 4 5 |
13.14 Word processor or db control reference list format. 1. Paper
size, margins, headers footers; 2. Heading; 3. Font, size; 4. Indent,
line spacing; 5. Citation numbering, pre/suffix, justification |
wp: 1, db: 2 3 4 5 |
wp 1 2 3 db 3 4 5 |
13.15 Duplicates are automatically removed from list. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
13.16 Reference list sort order. 1. citation order; 2. sort order
defined within db a/d; 3. sort order defined within wp |
Pr: : 1 2 (more limited: does not include
Custom) |
1 2 |
13.17 In-text citations and list references can be changed without
changing wp text. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
13.18 Errors. 1. during inserting and formatting; 2. user can act on
the spot; 3. log file |
Pr: : 1 2 |
En: 2 |
13.19 Manuscript formatting takes place .... 1. within wp text (1a same
document 1b other document); 2. within db; 3. in one step; 4. in more
than one step |
1 1a 3 4 |
1 1a 2 3 [1b 2 without Add-in] |
13.20 More citations of the same reference can bear same number. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
14 Term/Entry list, authority file. |
Pr: Features:
Indexes (4 Field Content Lists: Authors,
Titles, Journals, Keywords)
predeterminated, structure cannot be
modified: fixed number: 4; contents,
update, derived and automatic; not separate
from database, cannot be independently
accessed nor shared with other db. In quick
search work as retrieving tool as each
entry points to related records;
Journal list(s): fn.PJL, each style can
link field 10 to any (free number and name)
list whose structure pattern is: "Title |
Abbreviation | Note", like: "Journal of
American ... | JAMA | online ed.";
abbreviation can replace title in output;
can be shared among db;
Alternate text (ALTERNAT.TXT): does not
have to do with styles ( cannot be seen in
Formatted reference display), but with
printing in general, where text in record
fields put between Ç È can be replaced by
its text equivalent put in an external text
ASCII/ANSI file whose structure pattern is:
"text {text equivalent} | note"; fixed
name, one for db can be shared with others;
NB don't use Ç È as normal punctuation;
idiosyncracies: a) punctuation marks cannot
endi text: N.A.T.O. could not be replaced
b) does not work within In-text citations,
nor within sort headings; (works in Copy
special); text is case sensitive;
Term list, fn.PJL: any other list (n)
apart from the abovementioned; free number
and name; structure: "text | note"; can be
shared with other db
All lists apart from indexes can contain
entries not derived from records (import or
direct input, edit and deletion);
automatic duplicate detection and sort
Remarks: any list has got a stammering
alphabetic scrolling: keying in "MARC" can
bring to "MARC" or to "C" depending on
keying speed |
En: Features:
System lists: 3: authors, journals,
keywords predeterminated, fixed number;
Other lists: free number and name; user can
choose from which fields list entries are
derived (but a field can regularly send its
data to only one list);
All lists: content is derived and NOT
automatic (batch update). Any list can
contain entries not derived from records
(import or direct input, edit and
deletion); automatic duplicate detection
and sort. Document total number linked to
entries never shown. Journals lists with up
to 3 abbreviations that can be individually
selected in output styles. No list is
physically separated form database thus
cannot be shared with others
Remarks: bad alphabetic scrolling, |
14.1 Fixed number. |
Pr: yes 4 indexes, not the others |
En: yes 3 system lists, not the others up
to max 31 |
14.2 Lists' content is automatically derived from db data (or can
contain external data). |
Pr: yes derived 4 indexes, not the others |
En: 3 system lists must derive data from
certain fields; update is always batch and
not automatic; any list can have content
not derived from records |
14.3 Lists are physically separated from database. |
Pr: no, 4 indexes are embedded, others are
distinct text files |
En: no, they are all embedded |
14.4 List reflects records content in real time. |
Pr: yes 4 indexes, not the others: batch
update |
En: never, always batch update |
14.5 List can be directly edited. |
Pr: not 4 indexes, yes the others |
En: yes, all |
14.6 When list entries are edited, records change. |
Pr: never |
En: never |
14.7 New entries are validated (go list: new, old, probably
duplicate). |
Pr: no |
En: no |
14.8 List entry can contain its own supplementary data: note,
abbreviation, date, compiler, x-refs. |
Pr: not the 4 indexes, other lists: max 2
additional fields as notes |
En: no, only journal titles lists can have
up to 3abbreviations |
14.9 List can be printed. |
Pr: yes all |
En: yes all (export as .TXT file) |
14.10 Import external data into the list. |
Pr: no 4 indexes, yes the others |
En: yes |
14.11 Lists are useful for input. |
Pr: yes |
En: yes |
14.12 Lists are useful for searching. |
Pr: yes |
En: not really (just open, cut and paste) |
14.13 List entries show total number of related documents. |
Pr: yes 4 indexes |
En: no |
14.14 Lists can be shared among different db. |
Pr: no 4 indexes, yes all the others |
En: no, none |
14.15 Where and how they are used.
1. browsing, display related records
2. search expressions, pick up terms from one or another
3. input, pick up terms from one or another
4. output |
Pr: 1: 4 indexes; 2: all 3: all; 4: a)
ALTERNAT.TXT to replace ÇtextÈ (b) strings
matching entries in journal list |
En: 3: all; 4: journal list to replace
matching text
|
14.16 How lists are created and updated. :
1. input: new entries automatically update the list
2. ad hoc command to edit lists out of records
3. import
4. as external text file |
Pr: 1: 4 indexes 2: all other lists 3: yes
all apart from indexes; 4: all lists apart
from indexes |
En: 2 3 |
14.17 How lists are printed. 1. from the outside as text file 2. from
the inside by ad hoc printing function |
Pr: 1: ALTERNAT.TXT 2: indexes: Print
Subject Bibliography (Subject terms only),
others: File -> Open, export and save file |
En: 2 export -save file |
15 Documentation.
1. Reference manual 2. Tutorial 3. Contextual Help screens 4. Error
messages 5. Sensitivity to disturbances. |
Pr: 1 "Users' Guide" in English, bound,
TOC, index; not an alphabetic nor
systematic reference. Complete, precise,
clear, reliable (does not solve difficult
tasks); 2: Tutorial: Guided tour" chap. 4¡
+ on-line help. Shorter manual only for
read-only Data distributor version; 3 yes
but not really contextual; MS-Windows like
cannot be integrated, contais less info
than manual; 4 not enough; 5 solid |
En: 1 users' Guide in English, bound, TOC,
index; not an alphabetic nor systematic
reference. Very complete, precise, clear,
reliable, honest; 2: chap. 2¡ "Guided
Tour"; 3 yes but not contextual, Windows-like cannot be integrated 4 not enough 5
solid |
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Copyright Francesco Dell'Orso, University of Perugia (Italy) dellorso@unipg.it
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