Importing references from library databases using Direct Export

Accessing RefWorks

Importing references from library databases

• From a text file
• From email
• Using Direct Export

Importing references from NUcat

• Searching NUcat through RefWorks
• Importing NUcat search results

Entering references manually

Organizing your references

Creating and formatting bibliographies and reference lists

RefWorks-compatible databases available at Northwestern

Login to RefWorks

RefWorks Online Tutorial

RefWorks Quick Start Guide

Using Direct Export in WorldCat

A growing number of library databases allow you to send your selected records directly to RefWorks. This function may be labeled "Direct Export," "Direct Import," "Send to RefWorks," or something similar. The WorldCat catalog, which is part of the FirstSearch family of databases, offers a good example of how this automated import process works.

1. Connect to WorldCat and conduct your search.
2. Select the references that you want to save by checking the box next to a record in the results list.
3. Click the Export button in the button bar to go to the Direct Export Records screen.
4. Next to “Export:” select “Marked records from this search” and for “Export to:” select the radio button for RefWorks.
5. Click the Export button. If you do not already have RefWorks open in another window, a new browser window will open to the RefWorks login page. Log into RefWorks as usual.
6. The Import process begins automatically. When it is finished, you’ll see a message like “Import completed - 4 references imported” (or however many were on your list). Click “View Last Imported Folder” to see your new references.

Besides those from FirstSearch, other database families that allow the direct import of records into RefWorks include Cambridge Scientific Abstracts (CSA) and EI Engineering Village. Direct export from ProQuest databases is expected to be available soon.