Refworks is a web-based citation management tool that allows you to import references from online databases. You can use these references in writing papers and automatically format your bibliography. The instructions on the rest of this page apply for new RefWorks.
Note: 'Legacy' RefWorks is no longer available. Information about migrating 'Legacy' accounts is provided at the bottom of this page.
To use the 'New' RefWorks:
Use RefWorks to save, organize, and keep track of references found online, in Orbis (the Yale Library catalog), and in library databases (such as Articles+, JSTOR, ProQuest).
Add citations from the library catalog and databases
Quicksearch and many library databases allow you to export references directly into RefWorks. Look for the Export or Save next to any "cite" options.
For PubMed, follow these instructions.
Import citations
From a database (or from another citation manager), look for the option to export records in .ris format.
Add citations manually
This method is a last resort! It's better to import references than to create them. To add references manually:
RefWorks offers several methods to insert and format citations, footnotes, and bibliographies while writing for both Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Write-N-Cite with Google Docs
If you haven't already, install RefWorks for Google Docs
This action will insert an in-text citation at the cursor's location and insert a bibliography at the end of the document.
Write-N-Cite with Microsoft Word
If you haven't already, install the RefWorks Citation Manager
ProQuest provides additional support for using features that come with RefWorks.
The information below is for users with a 'Legacy' RefWorks account. The 'Legacy' software is no longer being updated nor supported. Existing 'Legacy' RefWorks users need to migrate to the new RefWorks. Read about how to upgrade from Legacy RefWorks to RefWorks.
Access Legacy Refworks (existing users only)
Before you migrate to the 'New' RefWorks: The new RefWorks has replaced the option to have multiple accounts with Projects. Follow the steps below to migrate multiple accounts into one account, and then create "Projects."
This page was updated by Kelly Blanchat on September 27, 2022. Please reach out for corrections or additional information.