Xavier University Library: 26 Steps to Information Fluency: Step 24: RefWorks

RefWorks is a bibliographic management service that permits users to create a database of references from search results in online research databases. References can then be used in writing papers. In-text citations and bibliographies are automatically formatted in a citation style of your choosing. RefWorks is available for faculty, staff and students to use across various platforms, both MACs and PCs.

Setting up your RefWorks account:
1. To create a permanent rather than a temporary account, you must access RefWorks from the library's webpages. Go to the library homepage at http://www.xu.edu/library.
2. Under the Welcome tab, in the Quick Links section, click RefWorks.
3. From off-campus locations you will be asked to authenticate yourself using information on your ALL Card.
4. Also, from off-campus locations, you will be asked to enter a Group Code. Call the reference desk at 513 745-4808 for this information.
5. You then need to set up an account with a user name and password. Read these online instructions about setting up an account.
6. Once you have set up your account, log out of RefWorks.
Export citations from a research database and export them directly into RefWorks:
1. Select one of the following EBSCO databases to search:
2. Do a keyword search for a topic that interests you or is related to an upcoming paper, project or other assignment.
3. Follow these instructions for exporting your citations into RefWorks.
Create a bibliography from the list of articles you just exported:
1. Log into your RefWorks account.
2. Read these instructions for creating a bibliography from a list of references.
3. By default your bibliography file will be named [RefWorks]username-Reflist.doc.
4. Save your bibliography file to your Desktop as explained in the instructions.
Create a new entry in your Blackboard e-portfolio (Expo Directory).
Upload the RefWorks bibliography file you just created into your new Blackboard e-portfolio entry.