The Usage of Reference Management Software (RMS) in an Academic Environment: a Survey at Tallinn University

Abstract

This paper presents an online survey taken in may 2011 at Tallinn University (TLU), Estonia, aiming to measure the usage of Reference Management Software (RMS) in an academic environment. The sample embraces the whole corpus of TLU scholars: phd students, researchers, teachers. A descriptive survey, based on a constructivist approach, has been conducted through an online questionnaire. RMS seem to suffer a low spread among scholars; a general awareness is present, but more information and stronger support needs to be provided by libraries. The data collected can be used as background for a deeper qualitative case study, and should also be compared to similar analysis performed in different academic institutions through the rest of Europe. This survey is the first quantitative study made on the subject.