Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Papers by ReadCube VS I Librarian

Compare Papers by ReadCube VS I Librarian and see what are their differences

Papers by ReadCube logo Papers by ReadCube

ReadCube Papers is a sumptuous reference manager helping out academic writers to get the most out when it comes to access and discovering more citations with multiple libraries or databases.

I Librarian logo I Librarian

I Librarian is an online tool that comes with a great way to handle and manage your PDF paper and office documents.
  • Papers by ReadCube Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-24
  • I Librarian Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-11-12

Papers by ReadCube features and specs

  • Reference Management
    Papers by ReadCube offers robust tools for managing references and bibliographies, making it easier for researchers to organize their sources effectively.
  • PDF Annotation
    The app provides built-in PDF viewer and annotation tools, allowing users to highlight text, add notes, and underscore important sections directly on the PDF.
  • Search and Discovery
    With smart search capabilities, users can quickly find relevant articles and papers within their library, facilitating efficient literature reviews.
  • Cloud Sync
    Papers by ReadCube syncs across devices via cloud storage, ensuring that users have access to their library from any device with an internet connection.
  • Collaboration Tools
    The app enables sharing of references and annotations with colleagues, making it a useful tool for collaborative research projects.

Possible disadvantages of Papers by ReadCube

  • Cost
    The software requires a subscription fee, which might not be affordable for all users, especially students or independent researchers.
  • Complexity
    New users may find the interface overwhelming due to its numerous features, requiring a learning curve to utilize effectively.
  • Limited Free Version
    The free version might have limitations on features or the number of papers one can manage, necessitating a subscription for full access.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users report occasional lag or crashes, especially when dealing with large libraries, which can disrupt workflow.
  • Platform Dependency
    While it supports multiple platforms, some features may not be available on all versions, potentially limiting functionality depending on the device used.

I Librarian features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    I Librarian offers a clean and intuitive interface that makes it straightforward for users to organize and access their documents without a steep learning curve.
  • Comprehensive Document Management
    It allows for the organization, annotation, and sharing of PDF documents, which is ideal for users who need to manage large libraries of information.
  • Web-Based Access
    Users can access their libraries from any web browser, which enhances flexibility and convenience when working from different locations or devices.
  • Collaboration Features
    I Librarian supports collaborative sharing functionalities, making it easier for groups to work together on document research and analysis.
  • Search and Filter Capabilities
    The platform provides strong search and filtering tools, making it easy to retrieve documents based on metadata or content.

Possible disadvantages of I Librarian

  • Limited Offline Access
    As a web-based tool, I Librarian may offer limited functionality when offline, which can be a disadvantage for users needing constant access.
  • Possible Cost
    While it might offer a free version, the full suite of features may require a subscription, which can be a consideration for budget-conscious users.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    Although the basic features are user-friendly, mastering advanced functionalities might require additional time and effort.
  • Dependence on Internet Connectivity
    A stable internet connection is required for optimal performance, which could be a limitation for users in areas with unreliable internet service.
  • Privacy Concerns
    As with any cloud-based service, there may be concerns about data privacy and security, especially for sensitive documents.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Papers by ReadCube and I Librarian)
Research Tools
60 60%
40% 40
Books & Reference
50 50%
50% 50
Information Organization
62 62%
38% 38
Mockups
42 42%
58% 58

User comments

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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, I Librarian should be more popular than Papers by ReadCube. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Papers by ReadCube mentions (1)

  • Citation/references app
    Papers App by Readcube is the most user friendly in my opinion. Only downside, it is paid, and costs $60/ year. Source: over 2 years ago

I Librarian mentions (3)

  • web-based pdf & papers management and bibliography
    I've seen I, Librarian (https://i-librarian.net/) but am not sure how good it is. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Textbook management?
    As far as in-browser note taking goes, the only thing I've found is https://i-librarian.net/ which supposedly permits pdf annotation in the browser. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Book management
    I use I Librarian (https://i-librarian.net/) it works really well, self hosted and has user manager. I use it for tech publications so the look ups don't work so well, however, for academic papers and journals and things it should be amazing! Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Papers by ReadCube and I Librarian, you can also consider the following products

Pybliographer - Pybliographer is a tool that helps you manage your bibliographic databases in a user-friendly way.

Aigaion Reference Management System - Aigaion is a bibliography management system that seems to be the perfect tool for managing your bibliography and references.

ProCite - ProCite is a tool for creating citations according to the standard defined by the users.

BibDesk - BibDesk is an organizational software created to help you edit and manage your bibliography. It keeps track of your bibliographic information as well as said information's associated web links and files. Read more about BibDesk.

BibBase - BibBase.org is an easy way to set up and maintain a scientific publications page.

Mendeley - Easily organize your papers, read & annotate your PDFs, collaborate in private or open groups, and securely access your research from everywhere.