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Syracuse University Libraries

Mendeley: Organize

Organizing your Mendeley Library

Before you begin adding sources to your Mendeley Library,  getting organized is key! 

Folders
Organize the sources you add to your Mendeley library by creating folders (collections), and sub-folders (sub-collections). Think through the different phases or topics related to your research, then create folders to help you with your literature searches and research workflow. One configuration that may be helpful, especially if working with collaborators, is the following folder structure:  

Under the "All Documents" folder, create the following collection, and sub-folders: 

  • Thesis
    • Chapter 1
      • Needs Review
      • Keep/Included
      • Maybe 
      • Discard/Not Included

​To create a new folder, right click (if using a PC) on "All Documents" to add a new collection or subfolder within your library. In Mendeley Desktop you can also use the folder icon on the toolbar to create new folders. 

Tagging and Filtering

Add tags to the record for each article to help you find articles within your library.  You may filter your results by Tags as well as by Authors, Publications, and Keywords.  The Filter is located in the lower left column.

Organizing Your Library (3 minutes)