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RefWorks: Starting with RefWorks

Introduction to RefWorks, an online reference manager

Creating a RefWorks account

To be able to use ProQuest RefWorks, you need a RefWorks account. You have to create it yourself.

You have to follow these steps:

  1. Go to https://refworks.proquest.com/
  2. Click the link Create account
  3. Enter your ERNA email address (for students, this ends with @student.eur.nl!) and click Check
  4. Enter a password and mark the I consent box
  5. Click Sign Up
  6. Check the inbox belonging to your ERNA email address: you should receive an e-mail from RefWorks with a link to confirm your RefWorks account. Click that link.

You can log in with your account at https://refworks.proquest.com

If you haven't done so already, also install EduVPN. When using Library-licensed databases off-campus, EduVPN needs to be switched on for a smooth transfer of references to Refworks. 

The video RefWorks Basic Functionality (5:13) covers the basic functionality of ProQuest RefWorks. 

Tools to add references to your text

To create a paper with in-text citations or footnotes while you write, you have to install an extra tool. Which one of the available tools you use depends on the program you use to write.

Microsoft Word 2016 or higher: RefWorks Citation Manager

When you use Microsoft Word 2016, including the cloud version Word 365, use the add-in RCM (RefWorks Citation Manager). RCM is available through the Microsoft Store. More information on how to install and use this add-in can be found in the RefWorks User Guide > RefWorks Add-ons from ExLibris. Please note: RCM is preinstalled in Word in EUR Office accounts and on EUR PCs.

Microsoft Word 2010 and 2013: Write-N-Cite

In Microsoft Word 2010 and 2013, use the add-in Write-N-Cite. You can download the add-in from your ProQuest RefWorks account under Tools > Tools > Use RefWorks add-ons for your papers > Other Word Versions: Write-n-Cite. Mac-users can check this box for more information. EUR-employees can download Write-N-Cite from the Software Centre. Please note that Write-N-Cite is being discontinued in April 2025.

Microsoft Word or other word processors: Quick Cite

A third option to add in-text citations and references in a Word document is Quick Cite. You can find this option under Create Bibliography in your RefWorks account. You will get a dialog box where you can select the reference(s) you want to use, copy the information and paste that in your Word document. At the end you can create a bibliography based on the selected references. Read the module 'Using Quick Cite' or watch this video to see how. 

Google Docs

When you use Google Docs to write and you use ProQuest RefWorks, you can use the RefWorks add-on for Google Docs. More information on how to install and use this add-on can be found in the RefWorks User Guide > RefWorks for Google Docs. 

The video Writing with RefWorks (6:28) gives an overview of the different tools RefWorks offers. 

Mac & Write-N-Cite

Write-N-Cite 4 for Word (Mac) is compatible with Microsoft Word for Mac 2008 and 2011. When you have Microsoft Word for Mac 2016, you can use the RefWorks Citation Manager (RCM) or use the Quick Cite option mentioned above.

When installing Write-N-Cite 4 for Word (Mac) please make sure that:

  • you have the prerequisite software necessary to run it:
    • Check you have updated your computer’s operating system and Microsoft Office itself
    • To download and install .NET 4 please visit this site
  • you verify Java is installed on your computer. Please download Java 6 from Apple’s support site directly by visiting http://support.apple.com/kb/dl1572. After installing Java, restart your computer.
  • Word is closed during the installation of Write-N-Cite.

You can download Write-N-Cite under Tools in your RefWorks-account.