Why it is important to keep your EndNote library local

Did you know that cloud storage can cause problems for EndNote libraries?

If you use the Desktop version of EndNote, you must save your EndNote library files on your computer’s local hard drive. If you use Windows, your local drive is usually your C: drive. For Mac, it is usually your Home folder.

Using cloud or network drives to store your Endnote Library files can lead to corruption of your library file, performance issues and data loss.

To prevent your files from being corrupted, you should NOT use:

• your ACU Microsoft OneDrive account
• ACU server storage or network drive
• personal cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Box, or iCloud
• any folder on your computer that syncs with these services; keep in mind, if you use Microsoft’s OneDrive or Apple’s iCloud, folders such as “Documents” (especially MacOS versions 10.12 and above) may automatically be syncing that folder and its contents to cloud storage.

To make sure that you aren’t using a cloud service – or to safely move your EndNote library files if you are – view the online instructions for each operating system:

• Windows
• Mac

You should also keep your Endnote library safe by backing up regularly.

If you are looking for a way to manage and access your EndNote library across different devices, sign up for EndNote Online. A key feature of EndNote Online is that it can sync your library and its references to the EndNote software on your computer.

View our EndNote library guide for more information, or contact the Library.