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RefWorks is a Web-based bibliography and database manager that allows the creation of personal databases by importing references from text files or online library databases. These references can be used in writing papers and include the option of automatically formatting the paper and the bibliography in seconds. This service is provided for KU faculty, staff, and students.

To get started:

You must go to the RefWorks site from a computer that is on campus. The RefWorks screen will indicate that it recognizes you as affiliated with KU.
The link above will take you directly to the User Login screen. On that page, click the link to "sign up for an individual account" within the KU account. When you set up your account, be sure to use your registered KU email address (e.g. onlineid@ku.edu). Once you have created your username and password, you will receive an e-mail containing the group code necessary to access RefWorks from an off-campus computer. When you access the RefWorks site from off campus, choose User login and supply your personal username and password as well as the group code sent to you via e-mail. You must have cookies enabled in your browser for the login to work correctly.
On the computer where you access Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer, you can also download the Write 'n Cite plug-in that will allow you to cite references in a manuscript with the click of a button.

Learning to Use RefWorks

Instructional Services offers workshops on RefWorks to the KU community. For details see www.infotraining.ku.edu.

Importing References Into RefWorks

It is possible to import references into RefWorks from many information sources, such as library catalogs or bibliographic databases (like ArticleFirst, Expanded Academic ASAP, JSTOR, MLA International Bibliography, PubMed, Web of Science, and many others). This allows researchers to store the references they need quickly and easily, without cutting and pasting or retyping them. Directions for saving and importing references vary, depending on the information source.

Detailed instructions for importing references from databases are available online here and through Instructional Services.

Troubleshooting

If you have problems creating a RefWorks account or using RefWorks off campus, contact the Help Desk (864-0200 or question@ku.edu).

Once you've created a RefWorks account, additional help is available through Instructional Services (864-0410 or training@ku.edu) for troubleshooting related to importing, searching, and citing references using RefWorks.

Troubleshooting and help information is also available on RefWorks web site at www.refworks.com.

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