Zotero is really starting to grow on me. I added this bibliographic application to my browser in November and I now find that I use it constantly to create lists of books to read, to organize items relevant to my research, and so forth. I like that it’s far faster and easier to import data than EndNote (and I have been a devotee of EndNote for several years). I also appreciate that it works with my web browser so I no longer need to run a separate program while searching the web.
Another application that I’m growing fond of is Hiveminder, a task management system I’m using to manage my research goals as well as personal stuff like grocery lists and errands. What I like best about Hiveminder is that it integrates with both my browser (so I can add items via my searchbar) and with googlecalendar–showing my daily ‘to do’ list on the top of each day’s schedule. Hiveminder allows for recurring tasks and “before-after” tasks (as in, before I finish my grant application I need to contact my advisor to write a recommendation letter and after I finish it I need to go to the post office–all added seamlessly from one entry).
Are you using Zotero, Hiveminder, or other similar programs? If so, how are they aiding your research and writing?
Here’s a brief youtube overview of Zotero:
And a look at Hiveminder:
