RefWorks is a web-based bibliographic management system that allows you to store your references online and access them from anywhere. With
RefWorks you can save the results of your search directly into your account, and you can also format your bibliography as you write your paper.
Access to
RefWorks is restricted to students and employees of Douglas College. When off campus, login via the
Library website in order to authenticate your account. You will be prompted to enter your last name and student/employee number.
Adding References into Your RefWorks Account
1. Direct Export from an Article Index or Database
Most of the Library's subscription databases allow for direct exporting of your citations into your RefWorks account. First, select the articles you wish to save, and then use the Export or Direct Export function to save your citations in RefWorks.
Tip #1
In EBSCO databases, look for the Export Manager icon on the article record, then click on the radio button Direct Export to RefWorks. In ProQuest databases, look for Export Citations under the My Research tab.
If you are not already logged in to
RefWorks, a new window will open and you will need to sign in. Your records will appear in the
Last Imported folder and from there you can move them into your customized folders.
2. Importing References as a Text File
Some databases do not have a Direct Export function, but you can still import your formatted citations into RefWorks. First, save the record you want onto your local disk as a text file (.txt). From within your RefWorks account, select the
References |
Import tab and then locate the name of the article index or database you are searching in from the Import Filter/Data Source. You must also select the correct database in the next drop-down menu. Browse to locate your text file and import your citation. Your records will appear in the
Last Imported folder and from there you can move them into your customized folders.
3. Exporting from PubMed
Perform a search in
PubMed and mark the records you wish to save. Change the output
Display to MEDLINE and
Send to Text. When you hit send, a new page will open with your references. Use your browser's edit function to copy the text. Next, log in to your RefWorks account, click the
References |
Import tab, and then select NLM PubMed from the Import Filter/Data Source menu. Also select PubMed from the Database menu. Click Import Data from Following Text, and copy your citation into the box. Click Import, and in a few seconds your citation will be added into your account. Your records will appear in the
Last Imported folder and from there you can move them into your customized folders.
4. Exporting from Google Scholar
Access
Google Scholar from the Library's webpage. Go to Scholar Preferences and set the Bibliographic Manager to show links to import citations to RefWorks, using the drop-down menu. This will provide a link next to each of your search results to directly import the reference into RefWorks. Your records will appear in the
Last Imported folder and from there you can move them into your customized folders.
For more information about entering citations from a variety of print and electronic sources, please see the
RefWorks help index.
Tip #2
As a general rule, always check your imported records to ensure that the correct data has been added to each field required by your citation style. Use the edit link to make any changes.
Writing Your Paper and Creating Reference Lists
There are two ways to create a reference list using your RefWorks citations.
1. Bibliography from a List of References
You can create a stand alone bibliography using all of your references, only those from a specified folder, or from the My List area. Use this function as a way to preview your sources, or paste it into your finished paper as a bibliography. Click the
Bibliography tab and then select the appropriate Output Style (APA, MLA, etc). Be sure to select Format a Bibliography from a List of References. Select your file type (Word for Windows), and which references to include in the list, either All References, My List, or References from Folder. Next, click Create Bibliography. Your list will download automatically and it's ready for pasting into your paper.
2. Create a Bibliography While You Write Your Paper
RefWorks allows you to format a list of references while you write your paper. To do this, you must first install a utility called Write-n-Cite onto your home computer which enables you to insert references into the text of your paper while at the same time creating a bibliography. For full details on how to install the Write-n-Cite application and create your reference list, go to the
RefWorks tutorial.
