About RefWorks
What is RefWorks?
RefWorks is a web-based bibliographic management tool (citation manager) that allows you to create a database of citations or references to resources (books, journal articles, web sites, etc.). It facilitates the insertion of citations within a research paper as in-text references, footnotes, or endnotes, and the creation of a formatted bibliography using a citation style of choice. All major citation styles are supported (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Who can use Refworks?
York University Libraries have a purchased a campus-wide license for RefWorks. Any current York student, staff or faculty member can access and use this software without individual charge.
Creating a RefWorks Account
Do I need to download software?
Use of RefWorks requires no software to be downloaded. You only require a compatible browser and an Internet connection. Compatibility issues related to the use of RefWorks are available here. To automatically insert citations into a MS Word document, you need to download a small utility called Write-N-Cite. To install Write-N-Cite, please follow these instructions. Information about using Write-N-Cite and related compatibility issues are available here. Please note that Write-N-Cite is available on all library computers requiring an ACADLABS login where the MS Office Suite is installed.
To use RefWorks you must first create an account. To create an account:
- Go to the RefWorks site and select "Sign up for an Individual Account"
- Fill out the form provided. You will receive an email with the username and password you created.
- Your username and password will give you access to your RefWorks account!
Using Refworks and Write-N-Cite
How do I use RefWorks and Write-N-Cite?
We have RefWorks drop-in workshops throughout the year. Scheduled workshops are listed here.
There are several online tutorials and guides available for RefWorks:
- RefWorks' Quick Start Guide provides access to written instructions on using RefWorks and an online tutorial.
- RefWorks Tutorial provides both an English and French tutorial on the basics of using RefWorks.
- Online Help provides assistance on almost all issues related to the use of RefWorks.
- RefWorks FAQ provides answers to some common questions about using RefWorks at York.
Can I use RefWorks when I am not on campus?
RefWorks is available to users wherever there is internet access. Off-campus RefWorks users may be asked for the York University group code. The group code is available here (Passport York login required).
How do I import/export from RefWorks?
It is possible to use RefWorks to search and directly import citation information from a number of web-based catalogues and other publicly available databases. In addition, many of York University Libraries' online databases and indexes support the exporting of data to RefWorks. Importing Citations from Specific Databases has more further information.
Can I share my references with someone else?
RefShare is an add-on module for RefWorks that York University Libraries have licensed. It allows any RefWorks user to share a folder of references/citations or an entire database. Shared references/citations are stored on a newly-created web page and any individual can access this page if they have been given its URL. Further information is available at the RefShare tutorial.
RefWorks/RefShare users also have the option of placing a link to shared folders on the York University Libraries' Shared Area Page. For access to this added feature, please contact RefWorks Help <refworks@yorku.ca>.
Getting Help
Upcoming RefWorks Workshops [click links for details]
There are a few ways for you to get help with your RefWorks account.
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