Frequently Asked Questions about RefWorks
- How do I set up a RefWorks account?
- How do I access RefWorks off-campus?
- How do I export records from Lens into RefWorks?
- How do I export records from the Library Catalog into RefWorks?
- How do I export records from article databases into RefWorks?
- The database I am searching has a RefWorks direct export option, but I cannot successfully import records into my RefWork account. What should I do?.
- The records I have imported into my RefWorks account are incomplete or include errors. How do I correct them?
- How do I manually enter a citation from a book, print bibliography,
or other source into my RefWorks account?
- What is the "Find It!" icons in my RefWorks folders
for?
- How do I create bibliographies using RefWorks?
- How do I create citations and footnotes with RefWorks?
- How do I install Write-N-Cite on my computer?
- Can I use Write-N-Cite with WordPerfect?
- Write-n-Cite will not create a formatted document, although I'm receiving a message that the document processed successfully.
- RefWorks is not formatting my citations/bibliography as described
by the style manual. What should I do?
- Can I move records to/from my RefWorks account and EndNote?
ProCite?
- Can I share my RefWorks database with other RefWorks users?
- Can I access my RefWorks database after I graduate/leave the
University?
- Are there RefWorks classes available?
- How do I get help using RefWorks?
1. How do I set up a RefWorks account?
The first time you use RefWorks, you must sign up for an individual account. Once you have created your log-in and password, you will be able to access your personal RefWorks database. You should receive a confirmation e-mail upon registration.
2. How do I access RefWorks off-campus?
You can use RefWorks from off-campus by logging in with your CNetID, if you access RefWorks directly from the Library's web site.
You will also need to configure Write-N-Cite to work with the proxy server off-campus.
If you are using RefWorks from another URL, such as www.refworks.com, you may need to login using the University's RefWorks Group Code.
3. How do I export records from Lens into RefWorks?
The easiest way is to use the Export to RefWorks link in the catalog record. Complete instructions are available online.
4. How do I export records from the Library Catalog into RefWorks?
The easiest way is to use the Export to RefWorks link in the catalog record. Complete instructions are available online.
5. How do I export records from article databases into RefWorks?
You can import references from most of the Library's major databases into your RefWorks account. Step-by-step instructions are available for most databases.
While the majority of the Library's major article databases now work well with RefWorks, some resources (such as Factiva) are not compatable with RefWorks. If you are not sure if the database you are using will export records into RefWorks, ask a librarian for assistance.
6. The database I am searching has a direct export feature for RefWorks, but I cannot import records into my RefWork account.
Are you using a ProQuest database?
The proxy server is currently preventing ProQuest databases from exporting records into RefWorks. You can export records using RefWorks export feature.
Do you have the Google or Yahoo toolbar installed on your browser?
If so, the pop-up blocker may be preventing you from exporting records.
Google Toolbar
- Select "Options".
- Under "Accessories" select the "Options" tab
- Turn off the Popup Blocker.
Yahoo Toolbar
- Click on the icon for Toolbar Settings (which looks like a pencil).
- Select "Toolbar Options"
- Deselect "Pop-up Blocker".
Do you have pop-up blockers turned on in your browser?
You may want to try adding RefWorks as an "Allowed Site"
Firefox
- Go to Tools/Options/Content.
- If you have the popup blocker enabled, you will see "Block Popup Windows" selected.
- Add RefWorks to your trusted sites by clicking on "Allowed Sites"
and adding the following URLs: www.refworks.com and www.refworks.com.proxy.uchicago.edu.
Internet Explorer
- Go to Tools/Internet Options/Privacy.
- If you have the popup blocker enabled, under the menu for "Pop-up Blocker", you will see "Block pop-ups" selected.
- Add RefWorks to your trusted sites by clicking "Settings" in the "Pop-up Blocker" menu and "Add" the following URLs: www.refworks.com and www.refworks.com.proxy.uchicago.edu.
If these suggestions do not resolve your problems, please Ask a Librarian.
7. The records I have imported into my RefWorks account are incomplete or include errors. How do I correct them?
On some occasions, you may notice an error in the records which you have imported from a library catalog or database. These errors may display in your papers or bibliographies if they remain in the records, so it is important to change them in your database. To make corrections, log into your RefWorks account and select "Edit" next to the record that needs to be altered. Be sure to save your records after making any changes.
8. How do I manually enter a citation from a book, print bibliography, or other source into my RefWorks account?
To enter a record manually into your database, log into your RefWorks account and select References/Add New Reference. For each citation, you will need to select a reference type, such as "Book, Whole", "Journal" or "Dissertation/Thesis". In some cases, you will also need to indicate if the source is a print or electronic version. These selections are important, as they will determine how your bibliographies and citations are formatted in any papers you create with your data.
To help you input all the necessary information for each citation, select the style that you will be using for your paper/bibliography in the drop box next to "View Fields Used By". RefWorks will then dispay green check marks next to all of the fields required by that specific style.
Be sure to save your changes and place them in the correct folder when you have completed your work.
9. What are the 
icons in my RefWorks folders for?
You can use the Find It! icon allows you to to the full-text of an article (if available), conduct a Library Catalog search for the item, or place an interlibrary loan request. To learn more, see our guide Find It! and RefWorks.
10. How do I create a bibliography using RefWorks?
Complete instructions are available online: Learn How to Create a Bibliography Using RefWorks11. How do I create parenthetical citations and footnotes with RefWorks?
To create citations and footnotes from the references you have imported into your RefWorks account, you must use RefWorks' Write-N-Cite feature. Write-N-Cite is a software program which integrates RefWorks into Microsoft Word. Write-N-Cite allows you to create in-text citations and footnotes using sources in your RefWorks account. In addition, Write-N-Cite will format your paper automatically in a variety of citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, Turabian, etc.).
Learn How to Install and Use Write-N-CiteReturn to FAQs
12. How can I install Write-N-Cite on my computer?
Windows
Write-N-Cite requires you to install a small file on your computer. You can download the Write-N-Cite plug in by logging into RefWorks, and selecting Tools/Write-N-Cite.
Macs
If you are using a Mac, the Write-N-Cite plug-in is downloaded as a .sitx file. This is a StuffIt file format and requires StuffIt Expander to open up and install the file on your computer. Beginning in 2005 StuffIt Exapander is no longer included as part of the Mac OS X operating system. If you are having trouble installing the Write-N-Cite plug-in, you should install StuffIt Expander on your Mac; it is free: http://www.stuffit.com/mac/.
Please Note: If you plan to use Write-N-Cite off-campus, you will also need to configure Write-N-Cite to work with the proxy server.
13. Does RefWorks' Write-N-Cite feature work with WordPerfect? Open Office?
No, the Write-N-Cite plug-in is only available for MS Word and Word for Mac. You can enter RefWorks citations manually into your document, but this can be a difficult process.
14. I can't get Write-n-Cite to create a final document, although I'm receiving a message that the document processed successfully.
Begin by checking to see that you have disabled popup blockers in your browser.
However, if you are using a firewall, this is likely the problem. Instructions for add permissions for Write-N-Cite can be found online from RefWorks Help.
15. RefWorks is not formatting my citations/bibliography as described by the style manual. What should I do?
While in most cases, RefWorks formats your citations and bibliographies correctly based on the style manual of your choice, it is not always perfect. Some users will find that certain reference types are not included or that RefWorks does not format the citation exactly as the manual describes for each type of resource. To correct these problems, RefWorks allows you to edit a currect citation style, or create your own unique style. Please be aware that editing output styles can be challenging. A step-by-step guide to editing output styles is available to assist you, however, please feel free to Ask a Librarian for assistance.
16. How do I use RefWorks with EndNote or ProCite?
You can import EndNote references into your RefWorks folders, and output Refworks references into your EndNote library (EndNote Version 8). ProCite users can export their data in RIS format for conversion and import into your RefWorks folders. See our guide to Using RefWorks with EndNote and ProCite.
17. Can I share my RefWorks database with other users for
collaborative research?
There are two ways to share your RefWorks database.
Set up a Read Only Password
You can set up a "Read-Only" password to your RefWorks database.This provides read-only access to other users, which will allow them to search, export data, and create bibliographies with your database.
To set up the password, login to RefWorks and select Tools/Update User Information. Enter a "read-only" password (do not use your original password) and then click "Update."
Share folders/references using RefShare
RefShare allows you to share your folders with specific users either by e-mail or posting a URL to a web site. Users will not need to have a RefWorks account to access your folder. Access is limited to searching, printing, and downloading references. Users can also create creating bibliographies using your shared references. Learn more about RefShare.
18. Can I access my RefWorks database after I graduate or leave the University?
If you leave the University of Chicago, you can take your personal RefWorks database with you in several different ways:
- Move Your U of C RefWorks Account to a RefWorks Account at Another Institution: If you will be at a college or university which offers RefWorks, you can move your current RefWorks database to that institution's subscription.
- Purchase a Individual RefWorks Subscription: If you not moving to an institution which provides access to RefWorks, you can purchase your own RefWorks account. The cost is currently $100/year.
- Move your RefWorks Database to EndNote: You can inport your RefWorks database into EndNote. EndNote is available for purchase at the University of Chicago Campus Computer Store. Learn More about EndNote.
19. Are there RefWorks classes available?
The Library offers RefWorks classes throughout the academic year. View our current training schedule.
20. How do I get help with using RefWorks?
You can obtain assistance at the Reference Desks at Regenstein and Crerar, or schedule an appointment. If you have questions off-campus, you can use our online help form.
The University of Chicago Library's new Bibtools Blog provides news and updates about RefWorks, as well as tips and techniques for using the product efficiently.