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About Refworks

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 What is it?

Refworks is a software application that can be accessed from Dominican University Library website that will help you ....
  • Format citations and bibliographies automatically while you research
  • Create and organize a personal research database online
  • Access your information from any computer, anywhere
  • Share your database with colleagues around the world
      Any Dominican University student, faculty or staff can use RefWorks.  It is provided for your use by the Rebecca Crown Library.
       
       What's Involved?

       Using RefWorks involves the following process...
      • Create a RefWorks account
      • Add citations manually or import citations from databases
      • Organize and manage your citations with folders
      • Format bibliographies instantly in any of over 400 styles (MLA, APA, Chicago/Turabian)
       

      • Quick Start

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      Create An Account

      To Create An Account:
      1. Login to RefWorks from Library Tab
      2. Click on Sign-up for an Individual Account
      3. Enter the required information on the left-hand side of the menu including login name and password
      4. Then click Register

      Add Citations

      Many Database feature direct import to RefWorks.  Others require saving to a text file before importing.  Click on the Import Citations Portlet for complete instructions. 
       
      Manually creating a new reference
      1. Select Add New References from the References drop down menu
      2. Select the desired folder from the In Folder(s) drop down menu
      3. Select the appropriate reference type from the Ref Type drop down menu
      4. Enter the information from your reference in the appropriate fields.  Suggested fields are marked with green check mark. 
      5. Click on Save. 

      Import Citations

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      Importing Citations Electronically

      Many database vendors support direct export to RefWorks.  Import/Export instructions vary from database to database but fall into two categories: Direct Export and Text File Import.  See below for details regarding each. 
       
       
       

      Direct Export of Citations

      Database vendors have increasingly added an Export button to options available for users.  Look for this near the Print, Email or Save options within a database interface. 
       
      Suggestions for use:
      • Open RefWorks before attempting to export citations from a database. 
      • If it appears that nothing happens when you click export, try holding down the crtl key and export simultaneously. 
      • After exporting, click on View Last Imported Folder and save imported citations to a folder. 

       


      Text File Import

      Some databases, like PubMed do not support the direct export of citations to RefWorks.  A few more steps are involved but you can still get your citations into RefWorks.  Directions for how to import a text file are decribed below using PubMed as an example.  
       
      In PubMed
      1. Click in the box to the left of desired records
      2. Select Medline from the Display drop down menu.
      3. Select Text from the Send To drop-down menu on the right side of the screen.
      4. Use the browsers' Edit and Select All to select all of the records.
      5. Copy the records using Edit and Copy.
      In Refworks
      1. Login to your RefWorks database if you have not already done so.
      2. Click on References and Import at the top of the screen.
      3. Select NLM PubMed from the Import Filter/Data Source drop down menu.
      4. Select PubMed from the Database drop-down menu.
      5. Click in the radio button next to Import Data from the following Text.
      6. Click in the box, and Paste your records into the text box.
      7. Click on Import.
      8. Your citation(s) will automatically be imported into the Last Imported Folder.
        You may view the records or move them to the folder of your choice.
       

      Create a Bibliography

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      Create A Bibliography From A Record In RefWorks

      There are many ways to format bibliographies using Refworks. This is a simple method of formatting a bibliography from selected records directly within RefWorks.  See also the Write-N-Cite instructions. 
       
    • Click on Bibliography at the top of the screen.
    • Select desired style from the Output Format drop-down menu.
    • Click in the radio button to the left of Format Bibliography from a List of References.
    • Select desired format from the File Type to Create drop-down menu.
    • Click in the radio button next to All References or References From: and click on the desired folder from the drop-down menu.
    • Click Create Bibliography.

        Note: If you choose HTML format the bibliography will display in a new browser window. You may then use your browsers File->Print or File->Save As functions.
        If you selected any other format you will be prompted to save the bibliography with a file name.


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