RefWorks FAQs
What is RefWorks?
Refworks is a Web-based bibliographic management program. A bibliographic management program helps users organize their reprint files by utilizing pre-defined fields for easy input; offers bibliography-generation and file-importation capabilities. Refworks is similar to Reference Manager or Endnote, but since it is Web-based, database sharing is much easier. The University has a subscription to the program, so it is available free of charge to any UVa affiliate.
How do I access RefWorks and create a database?
Whether you're on- or off-Grounds, to be able to create an account you first need have your proxy account running. Then go to the RefWorks Web site and click on “User Login” to create an individual account. This account is your database. You may create several folders under your account. Folders are a way of organizing your references in your database. If you would like to have multiple databases, you need to create several accounts, where each account serves as a database.
How do I use RefWorks from home?
As with any other restricted UVa resource you need to set up a proxy account or UVa-Anywhere to use RefWorks. Visit the Library's page for instructions to obtain and set up off-Grounds access.
How can I build up my database with references?
You may type your reference manually, import data from saved files, or directly export references into your RefWorks database from commercial databases such as OVID or Web of Science. Visit the Library's page for instructions on direct-exporting references from OVID.
How do I back up my database?
RefWorks databases are stored on the RefWorks server. You may backup your database by choosing the “Backup/Restore” option under “References.” You will then have a chance to save a Zip file anywhere you choose. It is always a good idea to make a backup copy after you make significant changes to your database.
How can I have multiple databases?
An account is considered as one database. If you want to have several databases, you need to create several accounts.
How can I import citations from online databases into my RefWorks database?
Go to the Library's page for instructions on direct-exporting references from OVID.
How can I share my RefWorks database?
Read-only access to your database only gives viewing permission for the database. By restricting users to “Read-only” permission, the integrity of your database is protected. Another way of sharing your database is to create an account for your lab so that everyone in the lab can add/delete/use references in the database. In this solution, everyone is responsible for maintaining references in the account/database.
Can I switch to EndNote or Reference Manager from RefWorks and vice versa?
Yes. You can export references in your RefWorks database and import them into EndNote or Reference Manager databases. You can also export and import EndNote/Reference Manager databases into RefWorks.
Where can I get help about RefWorks?
An extensive tutorial on various RefWorks functions can be found online. To access it, click on the Tutorial button on every RefWorks page. Or call the Reference Desk at 924-5591 or e-mail hslref@virginia.edu for a one-on-one consultation. We also will be offering a class in the near future on how to use RefWorks. Check the Library’s class schedule.
RefWorks Technical Support: e-mail them at support@refworks.com or call 1-775-327-4105 .
