How do I use RefWorks?
How do I use RefWorks?
Last Updated (Tuesday, 05 March 2013 20:29) Written by Administrator Thursday, 10 December 2009 20:41
What is RefWorks?
RefWorks is a web-based research and bibliographic management tool. It allows researchers to collect, manage, format, and share citations and references for all types of resources.
It is easy to use and integrates with most of the major research database providers (EBSCO, JSTOR, etc.). Additionally, RefWorks allows researchers to create annotated bibliographies on the fly, export references to Microsoft Word, and even manage in-text citations in research papers.
Accessing RefWorks
RefWorks is web-based, so you can access it from any computer with Internet connection. In order to access RefWorks from off-campus you will need the College's group code, which you can obtain by contacting the Reference Desk at 718.982.4010 or the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
RefWorks is available from the list of library databases on the library website. When accessing RefWorks you may receive a security certificate warning from your web browser stating: "The name on security certificate is invalid or does not match the name of the site." If this security certificate warning appears, click "Yes" to continue. Depending on what browser you are using, you may also need to "accept" or "add" the certificate.
Creating a RefWorks Account
To create a RefWorks account:
- Go to: https://refworks.com/Refworks/login.asp. If you are off-campus, you will be prompted for the College's group code. To obtain the group code, contact Reference Desk at 718.982.4010 or the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
- From the RefWorks login screen, click Sign up for an Individual Account.
- Complete the registration form and click "Register."
- You will receive an email confirming your registration.
For more information on how to create your RefWorks account, check out this video tutorial.
Creating/Viewing Folders
Creating Folders
- Click "Folders" on the top bar
- Select "Create New Folder"
- Name your folder
Viewing Folders
- Under Folders (on the top bar), select "View"
- Under View (on the top bar), select "Folders"
For more information on organizing your folders, check out this video tutorial.
Importing Records
Importing from CUNY+
- After doing a search in CUNY+, select the record you wish to export by checking the box on the left.
- Click on save/mail/export in the top orange bar.
- Under Record Format, use the drop-down menu to select "Full View." (NOTE: importing will only work using this format).
- Click "Go" on the bottom-left.
- Select export to RefWorks.
- RefWorks will open in a new window and prompt you to log-in. (NOTE: If RefWorks fails to open, you may need to disable your pop-up blocker). Your imported record(s) will be placed in your Last Imported Folder.
- Click the export icon at the top-right of the record you wish to export. (When moused over, it will say "Export to bibliographic manager").
- On the next screen, select "Direct Export to RefWorks" from the list of options and click "Save."
- RefWorks will open in a new window and prompt you to log-in. (NOTE: If RefWorks fails to open, you may need to disable your pop-up blocker). Your imported record(s) will be placed in your Last Imported Folder.
- Click "Export this Citation" at the top-right of the record you wish to export.
- On the next screen, select "RefWorks" from the list of options.
- RefWorks will open in a new window and prompt you to log-in. (NOTE: If RefWorks fails to open, you may need to disable your pop-up blocker). Your imported record(s) will be placed in your Last Imported Folder.
For more information on importing records into your RefWorks account, check out this video tutorial.
Creating a Bibliography
- Click on "Bibliography" on the top bar
- Choose an output style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.)
- Use the drop-down menu to select a "File type to create" (i.e. HTML, Word document, etc.)
- Choose a folder under the default selected "Reference from Folder"
- Click "Create Bibliography"
- Then either click download it to view/save the document or use the email option to send the bibliography to yourself
For more information on organizing your folders, check out this video tutorial.
More Tutorials on Using RefWorks
For more tutorials on using RefWorks, check out:
Who Can I Contact for Further Help?
Naomi E. Gold
First Year Experience Librarian
College of Staten Island Library
Office: 1L-219C
Phone: 718.982.4097
Email:
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