The following module will describe the benefits of using RefWorks throughout the research and writing cycle to help with citation management and writing.

Learning Objectives

• Identify the primary uses for RefWorks
• Identify RefWorks resources available through the GCU Library
• Identify multiple ways to add citation information to RefWorks
• Understand the benefits of using RefWorks Citation Manager

About RefWorks

RefWorks is a web-based bibliographic management software that enables users to easily store, organize, and manage citation information as well as generate bibliographies in a wide variety of citation styles. It includes a plug in that can be used with Microsoft Word to easily insert citations and automatically generate a bibliography for content cited in a paper. This can save the researcher considerable time that is typically lost locating citation information and manually entering and correctly formatting citations.

RefWorks functions as a personal database of citation information that is accessible anywhere that internet access is available. Researchers can quickly add bibliographic information during the research process in several different ways. Citation information can be directly exported to RefWorks from many of databases and even from Google Scholar. Citations stored in different bibliographic software programs, such as EndNote and Zotero, can be imported. Citations can also be manually entered. Once citations are in RefWorks, they can be organized, edited, and searched. Duplicate checking is available.

Getting Started with RefWorks

Before using RefWorks, GCU users will need to set up their free RefWorks account. To set up this account log in to RefWorks through the GCU Library Website. Once your account has been created, you can access RefWorks through the GCU Library's RefWorks Guide. If you previously had a RefWorks account through another institution, you can move the citations from that account to the new account you set up through GCU. Please contact the GCU Library for assistance with this.

Video: RefWorks Basic Functionality

Using RefWorks Citation Manager

When you are ready to write your research findings, RefWorks Citation Manager is a great tool for formatting your in-text citations and bibliography. To add RefWorks Citation Manager to Microsoft Word 2016 and later, inside Word select the "Insert" menu and choose "Store” or "Get Add-ins." Search for RefWorks and click "Add" when RefWorks Citation Manager is listed. You will see a RefWorks side panel in Microsoft Word where you can log in to RefWorks. Log in using the credentials you created for RefWorks.

Syncing your RefWorks database to Word makes all of the citation information in your RefWorks account available for you in Word without an active internet connection. You will need to be connected to the internet to sync references and you should sync regularly to ensure it stays up to date.

If you have a version of Word or Windows from prior to 2016, you will need to check the Tools menu inside RefWorks to see which tools are available to you.

Video: Writing with RefWorks

Getting Help

There are many ways to get help with using RefWorks. RefWorks has extensive help files available on their website.

The GCU Library regularly offers a RefWorks webinar, where you will learn how to create an account, export from the library databases, and manually create citations. The GCU Library also has a guide on using RefWorks.

Librarians are available to help by phone, email, chat, videoconference, and in person at the GCU Library on the Phoenix campus. For current hours and contact information, visit the GCU Library's Contact Us page.