New RefWorks: Adding references

A range of online resources such as Library Search, the library catalogue and databases have the option to export directly into RefWorks. A few databases allow indirect import to RefWorks. 

The guides below show you how to export references from:

• Library Search
• Library catalogue
• Library databases
• Westlaw, Lexis and PubMed (Indirect import)

Alternatively watch the video to see the essentials of exporting references from a variety of different databases.

**** We do not recommend the use of the Save to RefWorks button as it often does not work correctly when used for websites, PDFs etc. Instructions on how to use it are included below in case you do wish to use it but other methods of adding references work more consistently.****

The Save to RefWorks button is another way to add references to your account. You install a button on your web browser (Chrome, Safari, IE etc.) and then click on the button when you find something you want to add to RefWorks, whether that is a journal article, a book, or a website.

To install in follow these instructions:

•  Click on the More icon on the menu at the top of the screen in RefWorks

• Click on Tools 
• Click on Install Save to RefWorks. Follow the instructions on how to add the button to your browser.
• When you find something you want to reference click on the Save to RefWorks button. A menu will open on your screen with the information about the item that you can check for accuracy before saving to your RefWorks account. 

There may be occasions when the resource you are using is not online or is not available to import directly. Instead you can add the reference manually into RefWorks.

• In RefWorks select + then Create new reference
• Select the type of resource you are using and add the details to create a full reference

A video is available to to show you how to add references manually. 

You can add references by dragging and dropping PDFs into RefWorks or uploading a file to RefWorks. The reference will be created and the PDF attached to it.

• With RefWorks open, select the PDF and drag into on to the screen with RefWorks
• Drop the file into the blue circle that appears

• Alternatively click on the + symbol and choose Upload document. 

You can directly import references from Google Scholar into RefWorks.

• From Scholar settings select Bibliography Manager 
• Select Show links to import citations ...
• Choose RefWorks
• Click Save.

Now any search you conduct within Google Scholar will present you with the option to import the citation into RefWorks. 

You can add multiple references at a time if you have a Google account:

• Go to Google Scholar and log in to your account 
• Conduct your search
• Click on the 'Star' icon under each reference you want to export
• Click on My Library in the top right of the screen
• Select all the references and click on Export (looks like a download symbol). 
• Choose RefMan and an RIS file will be downloaded
• Login to RefWorks and click on the 'plus' symbol 
• Choose Import and upload the RIS file you just downloaded 
• Set the file import option to RIS - Reference Manager
• Click Import

Instructions on how to import references from other reference management software such as Endnote and Mendeley are here: https://proquest.libguides.com/newrefworks/importing