Introducing RefWorks

1
Introducing RefWorks

• Using an Online Citation Manager
• to
• Set your Cites High!!

2
In the beginning

• What is a citation?
• How are you currently managing citations?
• How do you format citations?!

3
What is RefWorks?

• Online Citation Database Manager
• Available to all VCU Users
• Allows users to
• Automatically import references from online
  databases
• Manually import references
• Manage references using folders
• Easily generate formatted bibliographies into
  research papers, grants, or articles

4
Step 1 Setting Up an Account

• Go to www.refworks.com
• Click User Login from the top menu
• Click Sign Up for an Individual Account
• Fill out user information. Login and password
  do not have to be your eID or VCUCard number.
• Keep confirmation email for off-campus use
  (requires Group Code)

5
Step 2 Populating RefWorks

• There are four ways to import references into
  RefWorks
• Manual Import
• Direct Export
• Text Files
• Direct Connection

6
Importing References Manually

• Select ReferencesAdd New Reference
• Select preferred citation style
• Enter information into fields.
• Fields with asterisks () are required for the
  selected style.
• Select Save Reference

7
Importing References Using Direct Export

• Several databases have easily-identifiable links
  to RefWorks.
• Select articles youd like to import, then look
  for the RefWorks link.
• Articles are placed in your Last Imported folder.
• Project Muse, OCLC, and CQ are among database
  vendors that utilize Direct Export.

8
Importing References Using Text Files
1. Example from JSTOR Select and view articles
and you will see the option to export them
3.
2.
4.
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Importing References Using a Direct Connection

• Search PubMed and the VCU Libraries Catalog from
  within RefWorks

10
Importing References Using a Direct Connection

• Once you complete your search, select desired
  records and click Import.

11
Step 2 Managing References

• Create folders for various subjects, courses,
  papers, or projects
• Move your citations into folders for easy access

12
Step 3 Parenthetical Citation using Write-N-Cite

• Write-N-Cite is a plug-in for Microsoft Word
  which you can download from within your open
  RefWorks account under Tools.
• Once installed, open Microsoft Word.
• Begin typing your paper.
• When you need to cite something, click the
  Write-N-Cite icon in the Microsoft Word toolbar.
• Sign in, and search for the necessary reference
  in RefWorks.
• Click Cite.
• Continue writing and citing until your paper is
  complete.
• Save your document when finalized.

13
Step 4 Generating a Bibliography

• Save a final copy of your document.
• In your RefWorks Write-N-Cite window, select
  Bibliography.
• Choose the appropriate output citation style and
  click Create Bibliography.
• RefWorks will create a new document that includes
  a formatted Works Cited list yourfilenamefinal
  . Be sure to save this new document.

14
Cool, huh?

• For a refresher, more information, and training
  dates, check out the VCU Libraries RefWorks page
  at www.library.vcu.edu/refworks
• Please tell your students, friends, and
  colleagues about RefWorks! Spread the word!
• Questions? Comments?
• msprince_at_vcu.edu