EndNote on Networks
Using Libraries on a Network
The volume edition of EndNote is licensed for a particular number of users; you can install EndNote locally for each of the licensed users. Users can access a common library on a server or their own personal library. See Networks and Volume Installations (Licensing of Volume Copies).
Multi-Platform Networks
EndNote libraries (databases) are directly compatible across Windows and macOS platforms and do not require any special conversion procedures (see Transferring Libraries between Computers or Platforms). Because of this, EndNote can be used in a mixed platform network environment very easily.
Multi-User Library Access
Even though EndNote can be used across a network, it was not designed with specific networking capabilities in mind. EndNote does not perform record locking functions that would allow multiple users to edit one library at the same time. However, multiple users can access one EndNote library simultaneously as long as the library is restricted to read-only status. This will allow the user to perform searches, copy information to their documents, and format their papers. Use File Explorer to change the Properties of your EndNote library; select the Read-Only attribute for the .enl file and the .Data folder.
The simplest way to set up an EndNote library for shared network access is to use the network’s system of file permissions to control the type of access allowed for users and groups. One or two people should be assigned the responsibility for maintaining and updating the library; these users should be granted full access to the library .enl file and .Data folder. All other users should be granted read-only access. See Multiple People Opening One Library.
Special Issues in Network Environments
EndNote does not perform record locking, but it does require file locking. Some Windows network client programs (for example, NFS clients used to connect to UNIX servers) do not fully support these protocols. File locking is an optional component in some implementations of NFS (LockD). In addition, some network file systems implement a compatibility mode that may prevent file locking from working properly. Network clients other than those provided by Microsoft should be tested to ensure that file locking is enabled.
EndNote assumes a maximum file name length based on the capabilities of the operating system on which it is running; under Windows, errors may occur if EndNote attempts to store a long file name on a server that does not support long file names.
Note: The environment in which EndNote will be used must support long file names.