Using RefWorks at Princeton (updated 03/09/06)

(for step-by-step instructions for specific databases, see this page. )

What is RefWorks and why would I want to use it?
RefWorks is a citation manager, that is, software that keeps track of the sources you are using for your research and your own notes about them. The basic functions are COLLECTING/STORING citations; ORGANIZING citations and your notes about them; and finally, DEPLOYING citations into a document.

Find out more about the main features of RefWorks; then, sign up for an account.

How do I access my RefWorks database from a computer off-campus?
To use RefWorks remotely (from outside the university network) you must also enter a user group code in addition to your Login name and password. Enter RWPrinceton in the "Group Code" box.

How can I organize my RefWorks files?

Indvidual, or "sub-" databases in RefWorks are called "folders;" go to the Folders pull-down to view existing folders you've created or tocreate a new folder. Remember, all citations automatically land in a temporary folder called "Last Imported" when you download them; if you don't move them to one of your created folders, they are stored in a folder called "References not in a Folder."

How do I use RefWorks while I am drafting an essay in Microsoft Word?
You'll need a small file called "Write-and-Cite" to connect RefWorks and MS Word; go to this page to download Write-and-Cite utility to your computer. A button will appear as a toolbar within Word to enable you to insert footnotes and create a bibliography as you write your paper. Click here for detailed instructions.

How do I use RefWorks with Princeton's Main Catalog or databases of scholarly journal articles?
Log on to RefWorks ( http://www.refworks.com/) so your account will be open. Use Internet Explorer for optimal performance.

Search the Main Catalog (http://catalog.princeton.edu/).

Method #1: You can search the main catalog directly via the RefWorks interface:

Search-->Online Catalog or Database-->find Princeton in the list.

This method is recommended after you've determined which records you wish to import into your RefWorks database, since the RefWorks interface is much less robust than the native interface to the main catalog.
Method #2:
  • Mark relevant items and save them in the "Full record" format.
  • Display saved citation and choose File -->Save As. Save it to your hard drive or "H:" (\\smbserve\userid) drive as text.
  • Switch to RefWorks and import the citations using Import Filter/Data Source = Endeavor Voyager and Database = Princeton University Library (Full Record)
    You may specify a folder or use the default "Last Imported" (NOTE: It is highly recommended that you create a new folder, since the "Last Imported" folder will be overwritten the next time you import records.)
  • Browse to find your saved file and click the "Import" button below the dialog box.
  • When you are ready to consult a work , choose "view" on the RefWorks and check the Notes field which will include the library location, call number. The status information will reflect a title's circulation availability at the moment you downloaded the record.

How do I use RefWorks with databases of scholarly journal articles?

A brand new time-saving tool is PULQuick Search -- it enables you to search across multiple databases at once. After you've marked results, click Save and choose "Direct Export to RefWorks" and then click the Save button. See this page for instructions on how to import citations from a few popular individual interfaces.

To locate the actual article: If the article references provide only citations or citations + abstracts [summaries] and there is no link to either the full text of the article or to our service, search the Main Catalog to see if Princeton owns the title or ask a librarian how best to determine if Princeton subscribes to the journal in question and how to proceed if we do not (e.g., interlibrary loan).

How do I use RefWorks from within Blackboard?
See the special instructions for using RefWorks from within BlackBoard.

Where can I find more detailed information about RefWorks?