2. Initial introduction to Mendeley software:

For first time use, you must log in using your Elsevier account. 

When you open the software, you will see a screen like this:

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On the left sidebar is the Add new button.

This allows you to add new reference entries to your Mendeley account. It is possible to add downloaded files directly from your own computer, to add entries manually or to import a complete reference collection from another program. 

From the sidebar you can choose to view all reference entries, recently added or read entries, favourites and your own publications. There is also a sidebar with a trash where you can put the reference entries you want to delete from your own records. 

At the bottom of the sidebar, there is a collections section where you can create folders with different names and then add different reference items to them. 

Below the Collections section is a Groups section where you can share your own reference items with other group members.

On the main Mendeley panel, you can see all your own reference files and folders:
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In the right-hand corner of the top panel, you'll see the search bar, where you can quickly find the reference you need. In addition to the search bar, there is also a filter option on the top panel, which allows you to sort reference entries by author and tags.
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The last thing you should be aware of is the notebook, where you can add various comments.

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