RefWorks imports

Getting references into RefWorks

There are several ways to get your references into RefWorks; use the relevant method for the resource you are using:

• enter references manually into RefWorks
• save your search results as a text file (.txt) and then import them into RefWorks (fewer databases now offer this option)
• export references directly into RefWorks from many databases
• search a library catalogue from within RefWorks e.g. The British Library and COPAC catalogues.
• use RefGrab-It to capture web page data

For guidance on accessing RefWorks and how to use it see the RefWorks section of the Bibliographic Management page.

The tips below assume that you have done your search and only give advice on importing the records that you have already found and selected.

Within RefWorks you will see a button by each reference in the Standard View. This button will check the details of the citation against the databases that the Open University Library subscribes to and will automatically open up the full text of the reference if we have it available. However, this only works for journal articles. If we don't have the item available, you will be presented with a list of options to help you find the full text from other sources.

Using RefWorks with our databases

The majority of online databases and services the OU Library uses are listed as options for import/data sources and databases within RefWorks. If you cannot see the one you need in the list below please check the RefWorks Database Services Supported page in the first instance. For further assistance contact the Library Helpdesk.