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Research workflow tool

Reference checker

Paste your references to compare DOI/PMID identifiers and bibliographic details against scholarly records. Review non-matches and mismatches before you cite.

Try an example:

Compare DOI/PMID, title, author, and year with available database records. Non-matches need human review.

See the preview

DOI/PMID checks

Compare available identifiers with scholarly records to help trace each reference to its source.

Bibliographic detail checks

Review title, author, year, and source metadata for mismatches against database records.

Flags for human review

Use non-match and mismatch flags to prioritize manual follow-up. Missing database coverage is not proof that a reference is invalid.

Preview

Paste references and review scholarly-record matches in the verification workspace.

Video

What it does

DOI/PMID checks

Next step

Continue to the tool that matches your task

Capabilities

Move from a claim to traceable sources with less friction

Find supporting literature, inspect source details, and continue with the right research workflow.

01
DOI/PMID checks
Compare available identifiers with scholarly records to help trace each reference to its source.
02
Bibliographic detail checks
Review title, author, year, and source metadata for mismatches against database records.
03
Flags for human review
Use non-match and mismatch flags to prioritize manual follow-up. Missing database coverage is not proof that a reference is invalid.

Use cases

How people use it

Use LitSource when you already know which claim, citation, or reference list you need to investigate.

1
Review a bibliography
Check reference details before submitting a manuscript, thesis, or research report.
2
Recheck AI-assisted drafts
Compare references suggested during drafting with traceable records rather than accepting citation text at face value.
3
Resolve citation mismatches
Identify details that need correction, then consult the source record before updating your reference list.

FAQ

Questions before you start

Review common questions before searching for sources or checking citations.

No. A match is not proof that a paper supports your sentence. Read the abstract or full text in context before using it as evidence.

A non-match may reflect incomplete citation details, a metadata mismatch, or limited database coverage. Review the source manually; it is not a verdict about the reference.

Paste your reference list and choose Check references to enter the verification workflow. Review available DOI/PMID and scholarly-record checks, then follow up on flagged items.

Related workflows

Continue with nearby research checks

Move between source discovery and citation verification workflows without returning to the home page.

Citation checkerOpen workflowReference checker before submissionOpen workflowFake citation checkerOpen workflow

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Start searching for sources or checking citations in LitSource.

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Reference Checker: Free Reference Verification | LitSource