Guide to Using RefWorks ProQuest for Reference Management
RefWorks ProQuest is a web-based reference management tool that helps researchers collect, organize, and cite their references effectively. This guide will walk you through the essential features of RefWorks to streamline your research and citation process.
1. Creating an Account
To get started with RefWorks:
- Visit https://refworks.proquest.com
- Click on "Create Account"
- Use your institutional email (e.g., @ul.ac.za) for registration
- Follow the instructions to verify your email and set up your profile
2. Adding References to RefWorks
There are multiple ways to add references:
a) Manually
- Click "Add" > "Create New Reference"
- Enter the necessary details (title, author, publication, etc.)
- Select the reference type (e.g., journal article, book, website)
- Click "Save"
b) Importing References
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From Databases (e.g., ProQuest, Google Scholar, PubMed):
- Export citations as RIS or BibTeX format
- In RefWorks, click "Add" > "Import References"
- Upload the file and click "Import"
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Using DOI or ISBN:
- Click "Add" > "Create New Reference"
- Enter the DOI or ISBN and click "Retrieve Metadata"
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Directly from Browser (Save to RefWorks Extension):
- Install the Save to RefWorks browser extension
- Click on the extension while viewing an article
- Select the folder and save
3. Organizing References
- Create Folders to categorize references by topic or project
- Use Tags to label references for quick retrieval
- Apply Filters and Sorting to find specific references
4. Generating Citations and Bibliographies
RefWorks allows automatic citation formatting:
- Click "Create Bibliography"
- Select a citation style (e.g., UL APA, UL Harvard, Chicago)
- Copy and paste the formatted citation into your document
Using RefWorks with Microsoft Word
- Install RefWorks Citation Manager (RCM) add-in for Word
- Login and select references to insert citations
- Use "Update Document" to format citations and bibliography
Using RefWorks with Google Docs
- Install the RefWorks add-on from Google Workspace
- Select references and insert citations
- Automatically format the bibliography
5. Collaborating with Others
- Share folders with colleagues or research partners
- Set permissions for viewing or editing references
- Use "Projects" to manage multiple research assignments
6. Exporting References
- Click "Tools" > "Export References"
- Choose a format (RIS, BibTeX, EndNote, etc.)
- Download and use in other reference managers
7. Troubleshooting and Support
Conclusion
RefWorks ProQuest simplifies reference management, making it easier for students and researchers to organize, cite, and collaborate. Mastering these features will save you time and improve the accuracy of your citations.
