REFWORKS

1. INTRODUCTION. RefWorks is a web-based bibliographic reference manager that can be accessed from any Mac or PC computer on or off campus by UNL affiliates. http://refworks.com/ or access from http://iris.unl.edu/
RefWorks features:
· Accessible anytime, nearly anywhere
· No special software required
· Compatible with multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac and Unix
· Easy to disseminate bibliographies online, or to collaboate with geographically disparate colleagues to create a bibliography
· Compatible with numerous online resources
· Upgrades automatically
· Compatible with non-roman characters (Japanese, Arabic, Chinese)
What it does:
· Helps you create the bibliographies for your papers
· Automatically formats your citations or references in Chicago, APA and other styles
· Creates a personal collection of reference sources
· Organizes and manages your citations. Search for duplicates feature. Sort citations and file citations into folders. Add citations to multiple folders.
· Imports citations from article databases, such as INSPEC, IEEE/IEE Electronic Library, SciFinder Scholar, Compendex, Google Scholar. Can customize so database and date appear on the citation record.
· Allows you to share references with groups, classmates and colleagues
· Uses the Write-N-Cite utility to pull citations into your paper as you type
· Keeps a database of index terms so user can search by author, keyword, and periodical indexes.
· Has a global edit capability
· An individual may create more than one account

2. CREATE AN ACCOUNT
a. Select a log-in name and password. BE SURE TO SELECT YOUR USER TYPE AND FOCUS AREA – FOR UNL STATISTICS PURPOSES
b. Personalize your account. Under “Tools”, select “customize” to change user information. IMPORTANT: CHANGE DEFAULT SOURCE TO ELECTRONIC
Accounts are portable after graduation. Under “Tools”, select “Backup/Restore” to save all of your files, then set up a new account at another location. Cost for a personal account is $100, or your new affiliation may provide access. Advisable to backup once a month or more, in case you accidentally delete your citations.
Space allocation: 1 gig per reference set

3. USE THE TOOLS LINKED FROM THE RefWorks LOGIN CENTER:

RefWorks Tutorial
Quick Start Guide
RefWorks FAQ
Instructions for Exporting from UNL Databases

4. BASIC REFWORKS RECORD
References are obtained by:
1. adding a new reference
2. importing a reference from a database
3. importing a reference from another citation manager.You can use the “Notes” field on the record to make annotations for reference organization, such as whether you have the paper, where it is, whether you have read it, ordered it through ILL, etc. (for imported records, click “Edit” from the reference list). Be sure to annotate on the record the following for full text articles from databases: DOI (digital object identifier), Database name, and retrieved date. These may be required by the citation style specified by your publisher. Always record the retrieved date and the title of the Web page when you view a Web site that you might ever be used in a citation. Always cite all sources, whether you find them on the Internet, or use a thought in a printed source, etc.

5. CREATE A FOLDER AFTER IMPORTING. From added or imported records, select items to go to specific folders. If a user deletes a folder, the references in the folder are not deleted, rather they go into the "references not in a folder" folder Pay attention to pop-up boxes - to avoid deleting references - do not automatically select OK or YES.

6. CREATE A BIBLIOGRAPHY
· Bibliography—Select Output style—“preview” will give examples if needed
· Format a bibliography from a list or folder
· Decide type of format html, text, Word
· Select folder
· Select “Create a Bibliography”
· Copy/Paste bibliography

7. RefShare —allows you to share your references. RefWorks creates a Web page with a PURL (Persistent URL). Under “Folders”, click “Share Folders”.
Uses of RefShare
· Post class reading lists on a central Web page
· Provide easy access to information for disparate researchers collaborating on a project
· Create and share databases of frequently-requested reference queries by topic. Can post comments on references
· Provide a linkable database of research done by specific faculty members
· Publish an internal database of references for easy sharing within your community
Benefits of RefShare
· Facilitate dissemination of information by having a central Web page for the posting and access of research information
· Provide collaborative research environment using the capabilities of easily accessible data via the Internet
· Enables the seamless sharing and exchange of information
· Allow easy transfer of information between RefWorks databases
· Centrally post frequently-needed databases of materials for research queries, class assignments, or research review
· Provide easy remote access to research and collaboration globally

8. OTHER FEATURES:
1. Add RSS feeds
2. Can add images – if available online, it is better to just include the URL to avoid copyright infringement.
3. “Format Paper and Bibliography” —allows you to download a Word application so that you can insert references from RefWorks.