Refworks

What is Refworks?

RefWorks is a web-based research management system, similar in function to products such as EndNote, Reference Manager and ProCite. It allows users to easily gather, manage, store and share all types of information, as well as automatic formatting of the paper and the bibliography. There is no charge for use to Stellenbosch University staff and students.

Users create their own personal accounts in RefWorks and may log in from anywhere. The RefWorks Write-N-Cite feature allows for automatic formatting of footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies in papers using Word.  [back to RefWorks page]

How do I access Refworks?

SU users can access RefWorks from a number of places:
  1. From the library's home page, go to SEARCH and select E-databases from the drop-down. Select RefWorks from the list.
  2. The Indago website

On Campus:
Access RefWorks here. RefWorks will recognise your computer's IP address and the RefWorks User Login for Universiteit Stellenbosch window will appear.
 
Off Campus:
RefWorks supports remote access for all SU students, staff and alumni. When a user logs into RefWorks from a non-authorised IP address, they will need to enter SU's Group Code. To obtain this code, please e-mail or phone +27 21 808 4884 with your name and student / staff number.
  1. Go to http://www.refworks.com/refworks
  2. Select Login using your Group Code
  3. Enter the Group Code obtained
  4. Click Go to Login
  5. You will be prompted for your RefWorks individual account name and password
[back to RefWorks page]

How do I create a RefWorks account?

The first time you use RefWorks, you will need to sign up for a free individual account (you can set up more than one account) and create a log-in name and password. After you have set up your account, you will input your individual account log-in name and password each time you wish to connect to RefWorks.
 
To set up your individual account:
  1. Go to http://www.refworks.com/refworks
  2. Choose Sign up for an Individual Account under New to RefWorks?
  3. Enter the appropriate information and click Register
Once you have registered, a confirmation will be sent to your e-mail address. 
 
[back to RefWorks page]

Can I create more than one RefWorks account?

Yes, you may create more than one account.
 
This might be used, for example, to share an account with a research group while keeping a private account for your own use. 
 
[back to RefWorks page]

Refworks is asking me for a group code. What do I enter?

RefWorks supports remote access for all SU students, staff and alumni. When a user logs into RefWorks from a non-authorised IP address, they will need to enter SU's Group Code. To obtain this code, please e-mail or phone +27 21 808 4884 with your name and student / staff number.
  1. Go to http://www.refworks.com/refworks
  2. Select Login using your Group Code
  3. Enter the Group Code obtained
  4. Click Go to Login
  5. You will be prompted for your RefWorks individual account name and password

[back to RefWorks page]

Can I import .pdfs from my desktop as references?

Unfortunately your references need to be tagged and in text file format. Only databases and references from Google Scholar are tagged. Return to the source you originally downloaded the .pdf from and export directly to RefWorks. Find instructions on how to import into RefWorks from Google Scholar or databases here.  [back to RefWorks page]

Can I export my RefWorks references to Endnote, ProCite or Reference Manager?

Yes. RefWorks offers several export options to use with other programs.
  1. Sign into your RefWorks account.
  2. Go to References - Export.
  3. Select References to include in the export.
  4. Ensure Export Format:  Bibliographic Software (EndNote, Reference Manager, ProCite) is marked.
  5. Click the Export button.
  6. Save the database to your computer.
  7. You may now import this file to EndNote, ProCite, Reference Manager or any other program that supports the RIS Format.

[back to RefWorks page]

Can I export my Endnote, Reference Manager or ProCite references to RefWorks?

Yes. Find instructions on how to get your data out of any other bibliographic management programs into RefWorks here.  [back to RefWorks page]

Can I export references from one RefWorks account to another?

Yes.
 
To export references:
  1. Sign into your RefWorks account.
  2. Go to References - Export.
  3. Select References to include in the export.
  4. Ensure Export Format:  RefWorks Tagged Format is selected.
  5. Click the Export button to save the database in a tagged format to your computer.
To import references in RefWorks Tagged Format:
  1. Sign into your RefWorks account.
  2. Go to References - Import.
  3. Ensure Import Filter/Data Source: RefWorks Tagged Format is selected.
  4. Browse to locate the .txt file.
  5. Click Import.
  6. The references will appear in the Last Imported Folder.
[back to RefWorks page]

Are RefWorks and open source products such as Latex, Linux and Linx compatible?

Currently, RefWorks has no Write-N-Cite version for either Open Office or Linux. Until a solution is developed, Open Office users will either have to manually type in the citation place holders or use the One / Line Cite view to copy and paste them in.  [back to RefWorks page]

What is Write-N-Cite?

Write-N-Cite is a feature that allows you to access your references in RefWorks while working within Microsoft Word. By installing the Write-N-Cite plug-in from RefWorks you may, at the click of a button, easily insert your saved references within you research text and, when you are read, add a bibliography to the end of the document. Watch a Write-N-Cite podcast.
 
Write-N-Cite downloads

Download the Write-N-Cite version compatible with your computer's specifications.

Write-N-Cite for Word (32 bit) 52.39 Mb
Version: 4.2.795 (12/28/2012) help
For Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7. Supports Word 2007 and Word 2010

Write-N-Cite III for Word 0.95 Mb
Version: 3.0 (9/9/2011) help
For Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7
Supports Word 2003, Word 2007, and Word 2010

Write-N-Cite for Word (Mac) 19.96 Mb
Version: 4.2.891 (12/12/2012) help
For OS X 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion) and 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
Supports Word 2008 and Word 2011

Write-N-Cite v2.5 for Word (Mac) 2.50 Mb
Version: 2.5 (6/7/2010) help
For OS X 10.5 (Leopard), 10.6 (Snow Leopard), 10.7 (Lion) and 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
Supports Word 2008 and Word 2011

The plug-in installs a RefWorks button / tab on your Word toolbar (also accessible via the Tools drop down menu) and an icon on your desktop.

When using Write-N-Cite from off campus, you will be asked for a Group Code. To obtain this code, please e-mail or phone +27 21 808 4884 with your name and student / staff number.  [back to RefWorks page]

What is RefGrab-It?

RefGrab-It is a tool that works with your browser to capture and save bibliographic information from web pages giving you the option to import that data into your RefWorks account. Read more.  In order to use this feature, you must first download a small and free program.

RefGrab-It Internet Explorer Plug-in Install Information Download (1678k)
  • For Microsoft Windows Only.
  • Compatible with Internet Explorer Version 6, 7, and 8.
  • Can automatically export RIS file downloads to RefWorks.
RefGrab-It Firefox Add-on Install Information Download (25k)
  • Compatible with Firefox Version 2, 3, and 3.5.
  • Can automatically export RIS file downloads to RefWorks.
RefGrab-It Bookmarklet Install Information
  • Installs as a bookmark in your browser.
  • Compatible with Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Where are my references stored?

Your references are stored off-campus on the RefWorks server. You can access them from anywhere by using your RefWorks individual login name and password.  [back to RefWorks page]

How do I generate a bibliography at the end of each chapter and have the reference list renumbered?

In order to generate a bibliography at the end of each chapter and have the reference list renumbered, you will need to create a bibliography for each chapter. Break the document into sections by chapter and submit each chapter individually to have the bibliography created. [back to RefWorks page]

What if I experience browser problems when using RefWorks?

For Internet Explorer 7 and higher:
1.    From Tools menu, select Internet Options.
2.    Choose General tab.
3.    Click Delete next to Temporary Internet File.
4.    Click Close, and then OK to Exit.

For Mozilla Firefox 3 and higher:
1.    From Tools menu, select Clear Private Data.
2.    Check Cache.
3.    Click Clear Private Data Now.

For Safari: 
1.    From the menu, select Empty Cache.
2.    When prompted, click Empty to confirm cache cleanup.

For Google Chrome:
1.    Select Tools menu (the wrench in the upper-right corner).
2.    Click Clear browsing data.
3.    Select the check boxes for the type of information you wish to delete.
  • Clear browsing history
  • Clear download history 
  • Empty the cache 
  • Delete cookies 
  • Clear saved passwords
You may wish to select Clear data from this period from the menu.
Click Clear Browsing Data. [back to RefWorks page]

What if my Write-N-Cite add-in in Word won't open?

The issue seems to be caused by a security program on a computer such as a firewall and/or antivirus program. One needs to configure the Windows Firewall and the antivirus program for Write-N-Cite. Access the settings for these programs and ensure the Write-N-Cite program is listed as a trusted application. See documentation attached. If your program is not listed in the document, you will need to refer to your specific vendor’s documentation or support desk.
 
Please note – The Kaspersky antivirus program is currently not compatible with Write-N-Cite as a result of a coding issue within Kaspersky. Kaspersky is aware of the problem and are working towards a resolution. Also, if you have the banking software Rapport (by Trusteer) installed on your machine, you will need to change the security configuration to ‘Default’ in order to allow WNC to run. Contacting Trusteer for assistance with this, as occasionally changing these settings do not resolve the problem.

If you continue to have issues with this, contact support@refworks-cos.com. [back to RefWorks page]

What happens to my references should I leave the University?

You may decide to convert your Stellenbosch University account to an individual subscription or you can move your account to your new organisation's RefWorks subscription. To do this, select Tools, Backup/Restore and make a backup of your database.  You will be prompted to save a .zip or .rwb file to your computer.

In your new account, select Tools, Backup/Restore and use the restore option to add the .zip or .rwb file to your new account. 

You can also export your references database in several formats using one of RefWorks Export options.  [back to RefWorks page]

Do alumni of the University have access to RefWorks?

Yes. RefWorks now offers lifelong access to alumni.
 
The RefWorks Alumni Program is offered as a standard feature of RefWorks, providing lifelong access to users that are alumni of subscribing institutions. As long as an institution subscribes to RefWorks, alumni will have access, allowing them to continue using their personal research databases for future professional and academic endeavors. 
  1. Go to http://www.refworks.com/refworks.
  2. Select Login using your Group Code.
  3. Enter the Group Code obtained (to obtain this code, please e-mail or tel: +27 21 808 4884 with your name and student / staff number).
  4. Click Go to Login.
  5. You will be prompted for your RefWorks individual account name and password.

Find more information on the RefWorks Alumni Programme here.  [back to RefWorks page]

Where can I get help with using RefWorks?

  1. Start with the RefWorks Quick Start Guide, the comprehensive help available from the Help menu within RefWorks or a basic online tutorial.

  2. Should you require local help or training, ask your Faculty Librarian.

[back to RefWorks page]