10/5/2004
Libraries offer RefWorks, a citation Tool available anytime from any computer
As of July 1, UW-Madison Libraries patrons and staff can use RefWorks, a tool that helps organize literature citations, during a one-year trial period. Similar to citation programs like EndNote and ProCite, RefWorks can assemble citations and a bibliography of articles while a user is researching in databases online.
RefWorks is unique because it is Web-based, allowing users to access their information from various computers in different places.
"RefWorks is a Web-based program, which allows users to access their information from any computer which can connect to the Internet," says Patricia Herrling, Library and Information Literacy coordinator for Steenbock Library. "This allows the flexibility to work in your office, at home or at the local coffee shop. Another added feature is the ability to share information among colleagues without everyone needing to be in the same department or on the same network server."
Using more than 480 citation styles, RefWorks can create a bibliography according to style or even a customized style if desired. As long as the citation data is assigned to the correct data fields, RefWorks will assemble the correct bibliography for the style chosen.
Emily Wixson, chemistry librarian, also worked with Herrling to spearhead the RefWorks project. She emphasized the importance of using the software correctly to get results.
"The old adage 'garbage in, garbage out' is true for citation management software," she says. "If the records are correctly defined, the output will be workable, possibly spectacular."
Both Herrling and Wixson are involved with the Library and Information Literacy Instruction program. The program will also be offering workshops to help patrons and staff learn about RefWorks and use it correctly. According to Herrling, it makes sense that librarians are taking steps to help patrons learn citation programs.
"For years librarians have been advising patrons on organizing and citing information, and now we have the software to help with this task," said Herrling.
EndNote and ProCite are not Web-based and often require a personal subscription fee for those who choose to use them. While popular with faculty and staff, these two programs are not commonly used by undergraduates due to cost and complexity. RefWorks is more convenient since it can be used at various locations and computers and RefWorks is also free for all library patrons and staff during this trial period.