RefWorks Basics Part 1

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Welcome!

In this tutorial, you will create an account and learn the basics of what you can do in RefWorks. RefWorks is a reference management service that can help you with creating and editing a bibliography.

What You Will Learn

  • How to create an account
  • How to import citations into RefWorks
  • How to edit citations that have been imported

Use the arrows below to navigate through this tutorial.

Creating An Account

All Loyola students have access to RefWorks. However, before you can start using it, you must create an account.

How To Create An Account

  • Click Create Account below the sign in box.
  • Enter your @luc.edu email, then click Check.
  • Choose a password, then click Sign Up.
  • Check your Loyola email account for an email from RefWorks. Please click the activation link provided.

Congratulations! You now have a RefWorks account.

Importing Citations

Now, let's import some citations into RefWorks so we can use them. Citations and bibliographic information can be imported from many sources, including:

  • Library catalog
  • Databases
  • Websites
NOTE: If you are not logged into RefWorks before you begin, you will have to login before you get a confirmation that your import has been completed.

Importing Citations: Library Catalog

First, we will import a resource from the library catalog.

  • Go to the Loyola Libraries homepage.
  • Enter the term "renewable energy" into the big search bar, called the Catalog.
  • Choose a resource that you find interesting.
  • Click the Details button below the resource's title.
Details Button Below Resource Title
  • Choose the Save or Cite option on the far right-hand side of the details box.
Save or Cite Option in Details Window
  • Choose RefWorks.
  • You will get confirmation from a RefWorks webpage that your import has been completed.

Importing Citations: Library Catalog Exercise

Importing Citations: Database

Importing citations from a database is very similar to importing ones from the library catalog.
  • Navigate to the database Academic Search Complete.
  • Search "artificial intelligence" in the EBSCO search box on the top left-hand side and click the search button.
  • Find a resource that looks interesting to you.
  • Click on the Resource's title to get to the Detailed Record page.
  • On the right-hand side is a box called Tools.
  • Choose Export, then Direct Export to RefWorks. Click the Save button.
  • You will get the same import complete notification from RefWorks. You may need to sign in to your account first.
Different databases are going to have a different appearance and navigation. Usually they will have an Export or RefWorks option.
 

Importing Citations: Database Exercise

 

Importing Citations: Webpages

Importing citations from webpages is easy. It's best to do this on your personal computer so you only have to install it once.
  • Navigate back to your RefWorks homepage and sign in.
  • Click the More button in the toolbar on the top.
More Button on RefWorks Top Menu
  • Choose Tools from the dropdown menu.
  • Choose the Save to RefWorks tool by clicking the button that says Install Save to RefWorks.
  • Follow the prompts onscreen to install the web browser add-on.
Anytime you want to cite a webpage, click the Save to RefWorks from your browser's favorites bar. A RefWorks screen will pop up on the right-hand side. Review the information, which can be edited if you need, and click Save to RefWorks.
 

Importing Citations: Webpages Exercise

Try It For Yourself
Find a webpage of interest and try out the Save to Refworks add-on for yourself.
 
 

Editing Citations

It's a good idea to double-check all your imported citations for accuracy.
 
When you want to edit a citation from your RefWorks homepage, simply click on the citation. A detailed view will come up on the right-hand side. Click the pencil icon in the top right side to edit. Make sure to save when you're finished.
 

Which is not an option to add or edit in RefWorks?

 

Wrap Up

Congratulations! You’ve completed the RefWorks Basics Part 1 tutorial.
 
To learn about folders and exporting your bibliography, please go to the RefWorks Basics Part 2 tutorial.

To get additional help from a librarian, please click here or stop by the Information Commons 2nd floor Reference Desk or Lewis Library Reference Desk.

RefWorks also has a series of YouTube video tutorials you can access at anytime. If you're interested in the more advanced functions of RefWorks, please reference these YouTube video tutorials.

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