RefWorks is a web-based research manager that allows you to create your own personal database of citations and documents for both academic and personal use. With RefWorks you can:
Watch the video, Create Your RefWorks Account, or see the Introduction to RefWorks handout below to get started with your account. To learn about the basic and advanced functions, view the RefWorks video tutorials on this guide.
RefWorks is available for all UNT students, faculty, and staff through the UNT Libraries. Your account will last as long as the library has a contract with RefWorks. That means you will have access to your account after you graduate, retire or, resign from your position at UNT. When you are preparing to leave UNT, remember to take these steps:
For screenshots of the steps, visit the ExLibris Knowledge Center or see the handout below. If the library ends its contract with RefWorks in the future, we will notify you by email and you'll have the opportunity to export your references in a format compatible with other reference managers.
A. There will be a scheduled downtime of RefWorks starting 10:00 PM Saturday December 19, 2020 Central Standard Time and for up to 2 hours. The downtime includes Legacy RefWorks, RefWorks Citation Manager, and RefWorks for Google Docs.
B. The newest version of RefWorks Citation Manager (RCM) is now compatible with Word 2016, 2019 and Online! Install RCM in Word through Microsoft Store. See details about the new version in RefWorks releases. Contact Erin O'Toole if you need assistance.
C. All information about RefWorks is now available at the ExLibris Knowledge Center. See the Release Information for the latest improvements to RefWorks.
Have any questions? Contact your RefWorks administrator, Erin O'Toole.
Browsers
Q: What the best browsers to use with new RefWorks, especially the Save to RefWorks function?
A: RefWorks is optimized to work with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. Avoid using Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge, which won't allow you to use all RefWorks functions.
Write-N-Cite (WNC) and RefWorks Citation Manager
Q: Is WNC compatible with Microsoft Office 2019 and Office 365?
A: No, it is not. You will need to install RefWorks' new writing tool, RefWorks Citation Manager. Please visit the ExLibris Knowledge Center for installation instructions.
Q: Will I still be able to use WNC with the newest version of RefWorks?
A: Yes, but you will have to install a new version of WNC, which you can find in the Tools section of your account. There are still versions for both Windows and Mac.
Q: WNC didn't work the first time I installed it. Now what do I do?
A: Contact Erin O'Toole to walk you through the steps for uninstalling and reinstalling WNC.
Migration from Legacy to New RefWorks
Q: Why should I migrate from legacy to new RefWorks?
A: There are several reasons to migrate now. First, the library discontinued technical and instructional support for legacy RefWorks, effective August 1, 2019. Second, RefWorks will eventually decommission legacy RefWorks, but they have not set a deadline yet. Third, new RefWorks has a number of helpful features that the legacy version lacks. See a comparison of the versions in the ExLibris Knowledge Center.
Q: How do I migrate from legacy to new RefWorks?
A. Select the migration link from the top left of the opening screen of your legacy account. See the ExLibris Knowledge Center for more details about upgrading.
Q: When I create a new RefWorks account, will the references disappear from my legacy RefWorks account?
A: No. The content is copied over to your new account and you can continue to use the legacy account indefinitely until it is decommissioned.
Q: Will the content in reference fields, like Abstract and Personal Notes, migrate over to my new RefWorks account.
A: Yes, all content will be copied to the new account. The fields in the new RefWorks aren't exactly the same, so you may need to move the content around, but it won't be lost.
Q: I have files attached to my references in the legacy RefWorks. Will they migrate to my new account?
A: Yes, attached files will be copied to the new RefWorks. If you have more than one file attached to a reference, only one file will migrate and you will have to manually attach additional ones.
Find RefWorks help files and technical support at the ExLibris Knowledge Center. Video tutorials are available at the RefWorks YouTube Channel.
Off-Campus Use: If you are using RefWorks somewhere other than the UNT campus, you can still use your RefWorks account. Simply enter your UNT email address and the password you created for the account.
Browsers: RefWorks works best with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari. If you're having problems with RefWorks, try switching to a different browser. Avoid using Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge.
Pop-ups: RefWorks functions with the use of some pop-ups. Be sure to turn off your pop-up blocker, or add RefWorks as an exception to the blocker.
