RefWorks is an online citation management tool that allows you to import and arrange citations, then use those citations to format a bibliography in any number of citation styles (MLA, APA, etc.). This product is available to members of the Binghamton University community through a subscription of the Binghamton University Libraries. For questions, Ask a Librarian.
If are being prompted from a group code when using RefWorks, this is likely for two reasons:
1. You created your account while off campus, or through the proxy server. Solution: Create a new account while on campus and not logged in using the proxy server or SSL server.
If this does not apply to you, then:
2. There is a problem with the Libraries' proxy server. Solution: Try to access other 
resources to determine if the problem is limited to just Refworks, or if it is effecting all of the Libraries' off-campus access. You can also try to emptying your browsers history and cache, or switch browsers.
If you are still having problems, please report the error using the Technical Problems Reporting Form.
Sometimes, connecting through the SSL server may still be possible, depending on where the problem is occurring.
Many databases allow you to directly export citations into Refworks. Every database is slightly different, but in general, first add your citations to a folder or marked list within the database. Then open the folder, select the items, and follow the instructions to export to RefWorks.
If you are unsure of how to import references from a given database, RefWorks provides detailed vendor and database-specific instructions on how to import citations via their Help.
It is always possible to add a citation manually into RefWorks by selecting References > Add New Reference.
How do I generate a paper with in-text citations and a bibliography? There are two ways to do this – the Write-N-Cite method and the One line/Cite View method, which can be used if you can not download the Write-n-Cite plug in.
Binghamton University librarians have created two short online tutorials that detail these methods (Write-N-Cite tutorial , One line/Cite View tutorial).
Write-N-Cite requires a free software plug-in that is available from RefWorks under the Tools menu. It has been downloaded to the Information Commons in the Bartle, Science, and UDC libraries, as well as the Bartle Library Instruction Lab. You can also download the plug-in to your personal computer, following the Downloading Write-N-Cite instructions given below.
Open up both your word processing program and the Write-N-Cite plug-in. Even if you are already logged into RefWorks, you may be asked to log in to Write-N-Cite again. In your paper, place your cursor where you want to add the in-text citation. With Write-N-Cite open, click on the word "Cite" to the left of the citation you would like to cite. The RefWorks citation will appear in your paper – example {{12 Nystrom,Elsa A. 2002; }}. RefWorks will format the in-text citation when the bibliography is generated at a later stage. If you need two or more citations in a given reference, place the cursor to the right of the semi-colon and add the citation as usual. Move back and forth between your paper and Write-N-Cite adding your in-text citations as appropriate.
When you finished adding citations, go back to Write-N-Cite and click on "Bibliography" in the menu. Choose your output style (i.e. APA, MLA) from the drop-down menu. Select “Create Bibliography.” This will open a new document that has the word "Final" in the name. This will help you distinguish it from your earlier draft.
The second method is One line/Cite View, which does not require software plug-ins, and can be used both on and off-campus. From the "All References" menu or from within a specific folder, go to the "Switch to:" view drop-down. Make sure it is set to “One line/Cite View.” Click on the word "Cite" to the left of the citation you want to add to your paper. A new window will open, called the "Citation Viewer." Copy and paste the citation that appears in this window into the appropriate place in your paper. Continue until you have finished adding all your references. Remember to save your document.
Back in RefWorks, click on "Bibliography" in the menu. Select “Format your Paper and Bibliography.” Choose your output style (i.e. APA, MLA) from the drop-down menu. Browse for your saved document and then “Create Bibliography.” This will open a new document that has the word "Final" in the name. This will help you distinguish it from your earlier draft.
When using either method, it is important to check the in-text references and bibliography for errors. If there were errors in the citations in your RefWorks database, they will be reflected in your citations. For example, some databases export author names in the wrong order. Another common error involves page numbers that may not display properly. In particular, you may want to pay close attention to details like the punctuation, spacing, and capitalization of your references.
For RefWorks users who are using MS Word on a personal computer, Write-N-CIte can be downloaded for personal use. RefWorks offers different versions of Write-N-Cite, depending on what MS Word version and operating system you are running, so be sure to look at the compatibility requirements before you download.
For a PC
1. Download Write-N-Cite: http://www.refworks.com.reftest.binghamton.edu/Refworks/help/508help/Refworks.htm#Using_Write-N-Cite_for_Windows_III.htm or, if already logged into RefWorks, go to the Menu, choose "Tools," then select "Write-N-Cite." Select the proper version of Write-N_Cite to download and begin the download process.
2. From your computers' Start Menu select "Programs" and then "RefWorks."
3. Select the "WNC Proxy Configuration Utility"
4. Enter the following URL: http://proxy.binghamton.edu/login?url=https://www.refworks.com/Refworks/?WNC=true
5. Click "Ok."
For a Mac
1. Download Write-N-Cite by going to: http://www.refworks.com.reftest.binghamton.edu/Refworks/help/508help/Refworks.htm#Using_Write-N-Cite_for_Windows_III.htm or, if if already logged into RefWorks, go to the Menu, choose "Tools," then select "Write-N-Cite." Select the proper version of Write-N_Cite to download and begin the download process.
2. On the Write-N-Cite menu, select " Preferences."
3. Select the "Proxy" option and enter the following URL: http://proxy.binghamton.edu/login?url=https://www.refworks.com/Refworks/?WNC=true
