Getting Started

Off-Campus Access

RefWorks Help

RefWorks FAQ

RefWorks FAQ

Access your references from anywhere at anytime! No more carrying disks around.

Q) RefWorks? What is that?

A) RefWorks is a web-based citation management program. Still confused? RefWorks allows you to enter or import citations from various databases and with a click of a button (ok, maybe 2 clicks) you can produce bibliographies or reference lists. RefWorks also has an online citation feature that allows you to enter citations directly into your work as you type and will format your bibliography for various journals (citation styles).

Q) Is RefWorks compatible with my computer?

A) Yes, RefWorks is compatible with PC, Mac, and Unix based platforms.

Q) What citation (journal) styles are available with RefWorks?

A) Over 200 citation styles are available with RefWorks. If you change your mind about the journal format you want to use, with a click of a mouse you can change your citation (journal format) style.

Q) What if my citation (journal) style is not available?

A) RefWorks allows you to customize the output format according to your needs. If you create one that you think your colleagues might use, let us in the library know and we can make it accessible to all.

Q) Does RefWorks require any downloads?

A) RefWorks does not require any downloads. However, there is an optional download for Microsoft Word called Write-N-Cite section that you can use to expedite the online citation process.

Q) How can I use RefWorks from within my word processor to cite references?

A) You can do this by using the Write-N-Cite utility. To download the program, go to your RefWorks program and click on Write-N-Cite at the top of the window. Once the program is loaded you can launch it from within Microsoft Word by clicking on the icon or selecting it from the Tools Menu. For details on using Write-N-Cite see the Write-N-Cite section in Help.

Q) There are so many databases at UIC. How will I know how to import citations from all the different databases into RefWorks.

A) We have set up a quick start guide for some of the major databases at UIC - this is located at http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/resources/refworks/refworks.pdf
If you do not see the databases you need on this list, RefWorks also has instructions on how to import citations from various databases into RefWorks. http://www.refworks.com/Refworks/importdbs.asp If you are still running into problems trying to figure out how to import citations from a specific database, email us at AskaLibrarian http://www.uic.edu/depts/lib/digital/ and we will be glad to investigate.

Q) What are the major advantages of RefWorks over other citation programs?

A) Because RefWorks is a Web based service, you can use it from any computer with Internet Access. Citation programs such as Endnote and Reference Manager require the software be downloaded on your computer.

Q) What would be the advantage of using RefWorks over Reference Manager or Endnote?

A) Refworks is always accessible when you are online, and you don't need to have any software downloaded on your computer, to download citations into a file. You can still import citations from RefWorks into Endnote or Reference Manager later. One other advantage to RefWorks is you can allow people to viewing privileges to the citations you have downloaded. This will allow your students or colleagues to view information you would like them to see.

Q) I've been using Endnote (or Reference Manager) for the past few years. Can I export those citations to RefWorks?

A) Yes! RefWorks has an import feature that allows you to import your references from other citation programs.

Q) If I use Endnote or Reference Manager, why would I want to switch to RefWorks?

A) You might not want to switch. Endnote and Reference Manager are very reliable programs.

Q) When might using RefWorks be a disadvantage over using Endnote or Refworks?

• If you write many articles / papers and you are a WordPerfect user, you may be better off using Endnote or Reference Manager. RefWorks does not have a download for WordPerfect for the purpose of generating bibliographies as you type your paper. These means you will have to copy and paste the citations you wish to reference and the paper will not automatically be reformatted if you change the location of your information within your paper.
• RefWorks does have some quirks related to the use of Macs.
• You cannot use the Write-N-Cite feature if you are offline. With Reference Manager or Endnote, this is not an issue.

Q) I want to write my paper off line. How do I print out a list of references with RefIDs or save it to a disk?

A) First, create a folder and add all of the references you need to use for the paper to this folder. Next, Click on Export and select the folder you want to print. Select Citation List, which includes the RefID, Author, Title and Year. Click Export to Text File and when the file displays print it using the browser's Print function or save it as a file.

Q) I want to write my paper off line. How do I manually insert the citations in the text?

A) If you create a manuscript offline, you must first print out the manuscript or save it as a file (see above). Your printout or file will provide you with the RefIDs. To manually insert citations in the text where you want to cite the reference, use two open curly brackets "{{" followed by the Reference ID number followed by two closed curly brackets "}}". For multiple citations in the same location separate the Ref ID number with semicolons: {{34;45;23}}. You will need to go back online to generate the bibliography or reference list.

Q) How do I access my RefWorks account from home?

A) Each site and department-wide purchase is assigned a Group Code. The person responsible for the purchase of the product will have been given this code. If you need to create an account from off site you will need to obtain the Group Code from the appropriate person.
If you create an account from an authorized location (from a computer with a correct IP address) your e-mail confirmation will contain the Group Code as well as your login name and password.
To log into RefWorks from offsite, go to http://www.RefWorks.com/RefWorks. Enter the Group Code in the Institution and Department subscribers login box and click on Go to Login. You should now be at your site specific login screen. Enter your login name and password on this screen to access your personal database.

Q) Is there a limit to the size of my database?

A) Your database may contain an unlimited number of references.

Q) Is there a limit to the data I can put in the notes and abstract fields?

A) The notes, abstract and user definable fields are limited to 1 gigabyte of information. Keep in mind that if you add large amounts of data to these fields it will take the program more time to display each reference.

Q) What happens if UIC decides to cancel their subscription to RefWorks next year - what will happen to my data?

A) You will be notified prior to the cancellation. At that time, you can purchase an individual subscription to RefWorks for $50 per year or, if you prefer, you can export your entire database in a format that is compatible with other bibliographic software. You can also export the data in a delimited format to use in some other type of database program.