RefWorks @ SDSU
Contents:
- Introduction
- Getting Started: Create an Account
- Build Your Database: Add References
- Manage Your References
- Create Bibliographies and Format Papers
- Questions? Tipsheets, Guides and Tutorial
See also: SDSU Databases that Work with RefWorks
Introduction
RefWorks is a personal web-based citation manager provided by San Diego State University Library and Information Access for all SDSU students, faculty and staff. With RefWorks users can:
- Import references from library article databases, the library catalog, and even Google Scholar.
- Create and manage collections of references (add keywords, organize by project or subject) and share with others using a web browser.
- Automatically create bibliographies in major styles, such as APA or MLA, and then export them as several document types (including Word, RTF, HTML, etc.).
- Format references inside Word documents and generate a reference list.
- Export and import collections of references to other citation manager software such as EndNote or Reference Manager.
First Time Users: Create A RefWorks Account
- Log in to RefWorks.
- Click Sign up for an Individual Account. If you are off campus, follow the instructions to authenticate your current SDSU status (first name, last name, red id number).
- Fill out the form completely.
- Click Register and you'll be ready to build your database.
Tips!
- Include an accurate email address so RefWorks can email your information if you forget it.
- Write down your login name and password or save the confirmation email RefWorks sends. No one at SDSU can help reset this information if you forget it.
- Remember to sign off/logout of RefWorks when you are finished, particularly when accessing your account from a public computer. The Logout link is at the top right corner of your screen.
Build Your Database: Add References
There are four ways to add references to your database: (1) direct export from selected databases,( 2) manually save & export, (3) from within RefWorks, and (4) manually.
Direct Export from Selected Databases
Some article databases offer a feature called Export, Direct Export, or Save to RefWorks.
- Choose the citations you need.
- Follow the screen directions. Procedures vary by databases, so use RefWorks and SDSU Databases & Electronic Resources for a list of databases and links to instructions.
- Citations will be sent into your Last Imported folder in RefWorks.
Tip! Turn OFF all pop-up blockers, including your browser and other tool bars (for example, Google, Yahoo, etc.).
Manually Save & Export for Import Into RefWorks
In article databases without the direct export feature:
- Save your citation in a tagged format.
- From RefWorks, use the References menu and select Import.
- Choose Import Filter/Data Source to select your database vendor, then select your Database.
- Choose Import data from the following Text File and browse for your saved file.
- Click Import.
For more detailed instructions see RefWorks and SDSU Databases & Electronic Resources.
From Within RefWorks
For free resources such as SDSU Catalog (the PAC) and other library catalogs. Note: This does NOT search SDSU article databases.
- Click on Search.
- Select Online Catalog or Database.
- Fill in the search form.
- Click the Search button
- A new window pops-up; select the titles you want.
- Identify the folder to import to and click Import.
- Close the pop-up window.
Tip! Turn OFF all pop-up blockers, including your browser and other tool bars (for example, Google, Yahoo,etc.).
For more details see Online Catalog of Database Search.
Manually
- Click on Reference.
- Select Add a New Reference.
- Select your citation style under View fields used by, indicate a folder in which to save it, and choose the appropriate Ref Type (journal, book, etc.).
Tip! The green checkmarks indicate required fields. It is recommended to fill in all fields when possible as various formats require different fields.
For more details see Adding References Manually.
Manage Your References
With RefWorks you can:
- Add keywords and customize the citations and folders to ensure the information is correct and easily used, and re-used.
- Share your database with others working on a project with you; everyone with access will be able to add, edit and delete references.
- Search within your RefWorks database using the Quick Search or Advanced Search tools from the Search tab.
For more details see Managing References.
Create Bibliographies and Format Papers
Create a Reference List or Bibliography
- Click on Bibliography.
- Choose your Output Style.
- Select Format a Bibliography from a List of References.
- Choose File Type to Create (Text, HTML, RTF, Word).
- Indicate the folder from which citations are to be taken.
- Click Create Bibliography.
A new document with your bibliography will be created to download or email.
Working with Word Documents
RefWorks can work with Word to create a bibliography in a variety of styles and to cite the works within the text or create footnotes. Write-N-Cite permits you to write your paper in Word and insert citation placeholders directly from RefWorks with the click of a button. When ready, Write-N-Cite will create the in-text citations and bibliography/reference list and add it to your paper. The last step is to select a format, and RefWorks will create a new Word document with the proper formatting.
A plug-in called Write-N-Cite is required. This plug-in is already available in Word on the Student Computing Center computers.
For more details see Using Write-N-Cite.
Help with RefWorks: Tipsheets, Guides and Tutorials
Question about using Refworks?
Questions about downloading from a particular database? Contact us!
- Basic support and troubleshooting is available in person at the reference desk and by phone: 619-594-6724 ext 0.
- Email a SDSU librarian your questions using the RefWorks Question form.
Experience technical problems using RefWorks?
- Email the RefWorks experts for free: info@refworks.com
- Phone RefWorks Technical Support: 775-327-4105
