One of the easiest ways to build your EndNote library is to import the references from reference sources such as bibliographic databases. The following directions are for databases provided by SilverPlatter, including MLA International Bibliography, PsycInfo, Social Works Abstracts, and many more.*

Step 1: Conduct your search, marking the records you would like to import to Endnote.

Step 2: Save the records by clicking on the save to disk icon in the upper right hand corner of your screen. At the save screen, be sure to change Displayed Fields to Complete Record, but keep the other defaults. Also be sure to change the file extension from .dat to .txt so EndNote will recognize it as a text file

Step 3: Open Endnote and the library within which you want to save the references.

Step 4: From the File menu, choose Import.

Step 5: Click the Choose File button in the Import dialogue box, and select the data file you want to import.

Step 6: Select the import format that is the filter from the Import Option: list. You may see a handful of filters listed. If you do not see the import filter you need, select Other Filters and locate the filter you need. If there is more than one filter for the database, in most instances, do not choose the filter labeled "long."

Step 7: Select an option for treatment of duplicate references from the Duplicates: list. It is usually preferable to choose the Import All option.

Step 8: Leave the Text Translation as No Translation.

Step 9: Click Import. A message box displays the progress of the import. The references have now been imported into your EndNote library.

Step 10: Endnote will display only the imported references. Edit the references if you need to or click on References, then Show All References to view your entire library.

*Although SilverPlatter was purchased by OVID, for now, the SilverPlatter filters are different from other OVID databases.

For assistance, please contact Lisa Norberg at lnorberg@email.unc.edu.