Travels Questers

EndNote is a powerful reference management tool that helps researchers, students, and professionals organize citations efficiently. One of its essential features is the “Traveling Library,” which allows users to share Word documents with embedded citations without needing the original EndNote library. However, a common problem that users face is the “Export Traveling Library” dialog not showing up. This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to troubleshoot and resolve this issue. By following the solutions outlined here, you can ensure seamless citation management and prevent potential workflow disruptions.

Understanding the Traveling Library in EndNote

The Traveling Library is an embedded collection of citations that are formatted in a Word document. This feature allows users to share references without needing to export an entire EndNote library. When a user exports the Traveling Library, EndNote retrieves the embedded citations and adds them to an existing or new library. This is especially useful for collaborative projects where multiple contributors may not have access to the same EndNote library.

Why is the “Export Traveling Library” Dialog Not Showing Up?

• The document may not contain any embedded references.
• Compatibility issues between EndNote and Microsoft Word.
• EndNote’s Cite While You Write (CWYW) plugin is disabled or not installed properly.
• Macro security settings in Word are blocking the export dialog.
• Software glitches or outdated versions of EndNote.
• The document may have lost its field codes, preventing EndNote from recognizing citations.

How to Check if a Document Contains a Traveling Library

1. Open the Word document.
2. Select a citation and right-click on it.
3. Choose “Edit Citation.” If the reference appears as an embedded citation, then the document contains a Traveling Library.
4. Alternatively, try exporting the Traveling Library by navigating to “EndNote” > “Export Traveling Library.” If the option is disabled, there may be no embedded references.

Ensuring Compatibility Between EndNote and Microsoft Word

EndNote and Word must be compatible for features like the Traveling Library to function correctly. Check the official EndNote website to ensure you are using compatible versions of both programs. Incompatible versions can lead to missing functionalities, including the “Export Traveling Library” dialog failing to appear.

Checking for Software Updates

• Open EndNote and go to “Help” > “Check for Updates.”
• Update Microsoft Word through Windows or Mac updates.
• Keeping both programs updated helps resolve bugs and ensures smooth integration.

Running EndNote and Word as Administrator

• Close both EndNote and Word.
• Right-click the EndNote shortcut and select “Run as Administrator.”
• Do the same for Word and try exporting the Traveling Library again.
• Running as an administrator can resolve permission-related issues.

Verifying Cite While You Write (CWYW) Plugin Installation

• Open EndNote and go to “Edit” > “Preferences” > “Cite While You Write.”
• If CWYW is not listed, reinstall EndNote to restore the plugin.
• In Word, go to “File” > “Options” > “Add-ins” to check if the EndNote add-in is enabled.

Resolving Conflicts with Other Add-ins

• Open Word and go to “File” > “Options” > “Add-ins.”
• Select “COM Add-ins” and click “Go.”
• Uncheck any non-essential add-ins and restart Word.
• Conflicting add-ins can interfere with EndNote’s functionality.

Adjusting Macro Security Settings in Word

• Open Word and go to “File” > “Options” > “Trust Center.”
• Click on “Trust Center Settings” > “Macro Settings.”
• Select “Enable all macros” temporarily to test if this resolves the issue.

Repairing or Reinstalling EndNote

• Go to “Control Panel” > “Programs and Features.”
• Find EndNote and select “Repair” or uninstall and reinstall it.
• A corrupted installation may prevent the export dialog from functioning correctly.

Exporting References Manually as a Workaround

• Open the Word document.
• Copy citations manually and paste them into EndNote.
• Manually match them with existing references.
• While not ideal, this method ensures you retain your references.

Contacting EndNote Support for Further Assistance

If you have tried all the above solutions and still face the issue, contacting EndNote support can provide expert guidance. Visit the official EndNote website for support options. Additionally, online forums and community discussions may offer insights from users facing similar issues.

Best Practices to Prevent This Issue in the Future

• Keep EndNote and Word updated.
• Regularly back up your EndNote library.
• Avoid installing conflicting add-ins in Word.
• Check macro security settings periodically.
• Save backup copies of documents with embedded references before making major edits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a Traveling Library in EndNote? The Traveling Library is an embedded collection of references stored within a Word document, allowing citation sharing without needing an EndNote library.

How do I check if my Word document contains a Traveling Library? Right-click on any citation in your Word document and select “Edit Citation.” If it shows a reference, the document contains a Traveling Library.

Why is my “Export Traveling Library” option grayed out? This usually happens if there are no embedded references in the document or if the Cite While You Write (CWYW) plugin is disabled.

How can I fix conflicts between EndNote and other Word add-ins? Disable other Word add-ins by going to “File” > “Options” > “Add-ins” > “COM Add-ins” and unchecking conflicting add-ins.

Can I recover references if my Traveling Library doesn’t export? Yes, you can manually copy citations and search for them in your EndNote library or online databases.

How do I reinstall the Cite While You Write plugin? Open EndNote, go to “Edit” > “Preferences” > “Cite While You Write,” and reinstall the plugin if necessary.

Is there a manual way to export references if the dialog doesn’t show up? Yes, you can manually copy citations and add them to your EndNote library one by one.

Does the Traveling Library work in all versions of EndNote? It works in EndNote 5 and later. Older versions do not support this feature.

How can I update EndNote to the latest version? Open EndNote, click “Help” > “Check for Updates,” and follow the instructions to install the latest version.

What should I do if none of the solutions work? If the issue persists, contact EndNote support or seek assistance from your institution’s IT team.

Conclusion

The “Export Traveling Library” dialog not showing up can be frustrating, but with these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve the issue effectively and ensure a smooth citation management process.