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Using RefWorks with the Library Catalog

Using RefWorks With the Library Catalog

There are several ways you can import records from the University of Chicago Library Catalog:

  1. Using Direct Export (Recommended)
  2. Using Direct Search
  3. Using the Import Feature

All of these methods have advantages and disadvantages.

Importing Catalog Records Using Direct Export

Recommended by the University of Chicago Library.

Direct export allows you to export a record directly from the Library Catalog into your RefWorks account with just a click.

Advantages to Direct Export

  • Extremely fast and easy. Just search the catalog and click on the "Export to RefWorks" link in the record.
  • You can use all of the advanced search features available in the Library Catalog, including browsing and limits.

Disadvantages to Direct Export

  • RefWorks does not import the complete call number for the item. Should you wish to find the item in the Library, you will need to use the Find It! icons to link to the Library Catalog record, which contains the complete call number.
  • You can only import one record at a time into your RefWorks account

Instructions

  1. Search the Library Catalog and go to the full record for the item.
  2. Click on the "Export to RefWorks" link in the "Holdings Information" box on the left side of the screen.
  3. The RefWorks log-in screen will appear. Log into your RefWorks account.
  4. Your record should import automatically.

Importing Catalog Records Using Direct Search

Direct search allows you to search a library catalog from within RefWorks and import records directly into your folders.

Advantages to Direct Search

  • You can import more than one record at a time.
  • You can import records from catalogs at other libraries.

Disadvantages to Direct Search

  • Direct search only provides the most basic search options. As a result, you may get many incorrect search results. For the best search results possible, we recommend searching the Library Catalog directly and using the direct export option.
  • RefWorks does not import the complete call number for the item. Should you wish to find the item in the Library, you will need to use the Find It! icons to link to the Library Catalog record, which contains the complete call number.

Instructions

  1. Log into RefWorks
  2. Select "Search" and "Online Catalog or Database"
  3. Select "University of Chicago" as the Online Catalog or Database to Search.
  4. Search the database. A new window will open with your results.
  5. Select the records you are interested, or import all in list. Then select your folder and click import.

Importing Catalog Records Using the Import Feature

If you wish to import more than one record at a time, you may be able to save e-mailed records as a text file and import them into RefWorks using an import filter.

Advantages to the Import Feature

  • You can use all of the advanced search features available in the Library Catalog, including browsing and limits.
  • You can import more than one record at a time.
  • The complete call number is imported.

Disadvantages to the Import Feature

  • Very slow and requires several different steps.
  • The import filter does not work with with all webmail or e-mail clients.
  • Imported records require substantial editing. You will notice that a colon will appear in the title field of each record. This character will need to be deleted or it will appear in your footnotes or bibliographies.

Instructions

  1. Search the Library Catalog and mark desired records by selecting "Add to My List". (To prevent the loss of marked records, you may wish to first log in to your Library account with your barcode and PIN).
  2. Click on "My List" at the top right of your search screen to view your marked records.
  3. Click on "Email this list" and type in your e-mail address.
  4. Log into your e-mail client and open the e-mail you just sent. The mail comes from "WebPac".
  5. Save the e-mail as a text file (.txt).
  6. Log into RefWorks and select References/Import.
  7. For Import Filter/Data Source, select "Dynix Horizon"
  8. For Database, select "University of Chicago Library".
  9. Under "Import Data from the following Text File", browse and locate the saved text file from your e-mail.
  10. Select "Import". The records should be imported into your "Last Imported" folder.

Additional Assistance

If you are having difficulty importing citations from these databases or have questions about exporting from other databases, please feel free to contact the Library. We are more than happy to help you.