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Citation Manager: RefWorks

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Options for Saving References

There are several methods or options for saving references into RefWorks:

  • Adding references from the Library Catalog
  • Using "Save to RefWorks" feature from the web
  • Adding references manually
  • Uploading one or more documents from your computer

Directions for the different methods are described below.

Adding References from the Library Catalog

To add a reference from the Library Catalog:

  1. Search the Library Catalog on the Lemiex Library homepage to find references
  2. Click on the title of the reference you want to save to RefWorks
  3. Under Send To, click on RefWorks. If you are already signed into your RefWorks account, RefWorks will open up in another window and allow you to save the reference. If you are not signed into RefWorks, you will need to sign in first before the reference will be saved to your RefWorks account.

Image of an article that shows the link to RefWorks in order to add the reference to RefWorks

Save articles from the Web using Save to RefWorks

RefWorks has a tool that installs in any web browser called the Save to RefWorks button. The Save to RefWorks button grabs information from any web page – in some cases a complete article – and adds it to your RefWorks library. 

To add the Save to RefWorks button to your browser

  1. Click on the More icon  and select Tools
  2. Drag the Save to RefWorks button to your browser
  3. Once you’ve installed it, go to any web page and click the Save to RefWorks button to capture the information

Adding References Manually

To add an item to RefWorks, click the Add a reference icon  at the top of the page. If you plan on adding the item to an existing collection, click on the collection first, then click the Add a reference icon .

You'll have three options:

  • Upload document
  • Import references
  • Create new reference

You can drag and drop a document (.pdf, .doc, etc.) directly into the Upload document box to upload an existing MS Office, Open Office or .pdf file from your computer. Only 1 document per item allowed. 

From the second option, you can also import a set of references from a text file in the formats offered. On the resulting page, you will able to click and drag the file onto the page to begin importing.

Using Create new reference you can manually enter your bibliographic data or click and drag a file to be imported as well.

  • Tip:  If you have multiple documents to add to RefWorks, you can select and drag them all at once. RefWorks will create separate items for each.

Regardless of which option you choose, RefWorks uses its document recognition feature to attempt to auto-complete the reference fields on the page. 

You can change the reference type, manually edit the reference fields and additional fields can be added using the Add more fields drop down box at the bottom of the page. 

If you do not have a file to upload, simply populate the blank fields by typing in the necessary information.

Once you have manually added your item using one of these options, click Save and your item will be added to your RefWorks library.

Uploading One or More Documents from your Computer

If you want to add your documents to a specific collection, make sure you’re viewing the collection first, then drag and drop the file(s). If you’re dragging multiple files, RefWorks will create a separate item for each document. Otherwise, drag and drop documents in the All Documents view and you can file them in collections once they are uploaded.

 

If you’re not sure where the file is on your computer, you can also click the Add a reference icon , then click Import reference option and then use the box for drag and drop, or, to browse and search your computer.  

Note: This option allows you to upload only one document at a time.

Regardless of how you add your documents, RefWorks will try to recognize and populate the reference information using our document authority.  RefWorks will present you with possible matches which you can select to populate the reference fields.

If no reference information is provided, you can manually enter the information.  Make sure to click the Save button to save the reference information.