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What is RefWorks?

RefWorks is a web-based bibliography manager or citation manager. It allows you to create a personal database of references for research use and in writing papers. It's like having a set of index cards online. RefWorks will import references and organize them in any manner you choose. Those references create a searchable database of your research. Bibliographies can be created from your library of references in many citation styles.

RefWorks can be accessed from any Internet-capable computer; on or off-campus. There is no limit to the size of your database. In addition, you can share references with others when working on a group project.

Access to RefWorks is limited to CSULB students/faculty/staff only.

How do I get started?

Create an account in RefWorks. Set up folders to place your references in and begin importing references from our campus databases. For more information on how to use RefWorks, try these:

RefWorks Quick Start Guide
RefWorks Tutorial
RefWorks Frequently Asked Questions

How do I import references into RefWorks?

Importing and exporting references into RefWorks is database-specific. Instructions about to how export/import references from CSULB databases is found on our list of databases. Click the RefWorks button next to any database for instructions. For general information see Importing References in the RefWorks Help section.

To import records from COAST, go to your RefWorks account first, click Search - Online Catalog or Database and choose COAST. Follow the directions to import records into your database.

I already use another citation manager (such as EndNote, ProCite, etc.). Can I import my references?

Yes. Follow the directions found here.

What is Write-N-Cite?

Write-N-Cite is a utility that allows you to insert references into a paper with a single click. It works with Microsoft Word for both Windows and MAC. If you are accessing RefWorks off-campus you must download Write-N-Cite to the computer you are using for it to work. Once it is downloaded, the utility places a button on your desktop. Click here more information and to download Write-N-Cite.

NOTE: When you are using Write-N-Cite on your personal computer (off-campus), you will need to configure the software. This only needs to done once. Follow these directions:

Windows Users:

• From the Start Menu select Program and RefWorks.

• Select the WNC Proxy Configuration Utility.  

• Copy and paste this into the Proxy Server URL:
  http://mcc1.library.csulb.edu/login?url=https://www.refworks.com/Refworks/?WNC=true

• Click OK.

Mac Users:

• Activate Write-N-Cite.

• Select Preferences from the Write-N-Cite menu.

• Select the Proxy option and copy and paste this URL:
  http://mcc1.library.csulb.edu/login?url=https://www.refworks.com/Refworks/?WNC=true

• Restart Write-N-Cite for this proxy configuration to take effect.