When writing a written work, we definitely have to cite and include a bibliography. To make citation easier, software such as a reference manager is needed. Reference Manager is software designed to help researchers and writers manage references or sources of information used in their scientific papers. There are various kinds of reference managers that can be used, one of which is Mendeley.

Mendeley is software developed by Elsevier which is used to manage, share and search for scientific papers done online. Mendeley is available in web, application and desktop form which is often called Mendeley Desktop. Apart from that, this software can also make it easier for users to create citations and lists automatically. This software is based on open source which can be obtained for free and supports various platforms such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS and Linux.

After Mendeley Desktop, now Mendeley has presented the latest version, namely Mendeley Reference Manager. Mendeley Reference Manager (MRM), which has been released since 2019, has now been released in the official version. Is there a difference between Mendeley Desktop and Mendeley Reference Manager? Actually, in terms of function, Mendeley Desktop and MRM are the same. However, there are several differences in terms of appearance and use. What are the differences? Check out the following review:

Mendeley Desktop

1. Can be installed on Microsoft Office 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, or later (including Microsoft Office 365)
2. Must be logged in to the Mendeley Desktop application
3. Can be operated online or offline
4. Citation plug-in via Mendeley Desktop
5. PDF file storage can be stored in the cloud or hard disk via data backup

Mendeley Reference Manager

1. Can only be installed on Microsoft Office above 2016 and Microsoft Office 365
2. Login is done on Mendeley Cite in Microsoft Word
3. Can only be operated online
4. Citation plug-in via Mendeley Cite from the Microsoft Store
5. PDF file storage is stored in the cloud
6. Simpler appearance

Benefits of Reference Manager
There are many benefits from using Mendeley to help library friends in compiling written work, including:

1. Helps organize references systematically
2. Makes it easier to manage quotes in writing, such as inserting quotes into your text easily and quickly
3. Prevent plagiarism by ensuring that any information or ideas taken from external sources are appropriately cited
4. Can quickly access and refer back to sources of information used in the written works of library friends
5. Makes it easier to share references, notes, and research projects online between research team members

That's the difference between Mendeley Desktop and Mendeley Reference Manager, both in terms of internet connection requirements, Microsoft Office, PDF file storage, etc. So, which library friends do you choose?