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RefWorks

NU Library's preferred research management tool.

Accessing RefWorks

Login to RefWorks

New users must create a personal account with RefWorks using their NU institutional credentials. You will also be required to set up an alternate password to use associated plugins for RefWorks. Visit the Introduction to RefWorks and Account Creation page for more information.

RefWorks Cancellation FAQs

Access and support for RefWorks will officially end on December 31, 2025.

Unfortunately, no. You will be unable to access your account after December 31, 2025.

This decision reflects evolving access needs after graduation for our alumni, ongoing technical challenges with the current platform, and the increasing availability of robust open-source alternatives. By moving away from RefWorks, the Library will be able to reinvest funds into new services and resources that better meet the needs of National University students.

Yes! We’re excited to support our community in making the move to Zotero, a powerful, user-friendly citation manager that’s widely used across academic institutions. If you decide Zotero isn't for you, we provide information on other citation management options. We're here to help you make the most of your research tools—now and in the future!

Zotero is a free, open-source, web-based tool for managing citations and PDFs, and creating bibliographies. It is highly customizable with a robust user community, and works online and on your desktop. Since it is a freely-available tool, you can continue using it even if you graduate from National University. Moving to support Zotero also closely aligns with the Library's value to provide high-quality information resources in multiple formats to support the varied academic and research needs of our users.

There are several ways to move data from RefWorks into Zotero. For detailed instructions see this FAQ on how to move from RefWorks to Zotero. For additional support, attend one of the Library's upcoming webinars on Moving from RefWorks to Zotero.

Yes. You will have to migrate your RefWorks citations to another citation managers, even if you changed your log-in email address to a non-NU account.

No. ProQuest RefWorks no longer offers individual subscriptions.

What is RefWorks?

RefWorks is a web-based research management tool designed to help you gather, organize, store, annotate, and share all types of resources used in your research, assignments, or dissertation.

RefWorks is NU Library's preferred research management tool since comprehensive support is provided. It is also FREE for all NU students, faculty, and staff.

With RefWorks, you can do the following:

  • Organize your resources by project, in folders, or with tags
  • Create APA formatted reference lists and annotated bibliographies
  • Import citations directly and indirectly from Library databases as well as research websites like Google Scholar or PubMed
  • Access your sources directly within Microsoft Word
  • Share citations and source lists

NOTE: When using RefWorks, you must always check your content and citations for accuracy and proper formatting.

RefWorks On Demand Appointment

RefWorks On Demand Support Service bannerRefWorks On Demand is a one-on-one support service providing basic troubleshooting and technology instruction on RefWorks, the NU Library's research management tool.

Areas of Assistance

  • Reviewing installation requirements for the Save to RefWorks tool, Microsoft Word Write-N-Cite, or ProQuest RefWorks Citation Manager;
  • Addressing specific questions on adding resources, creating bibliographies, and annotating documents in RefWorks;
  • Troubleshooting basic functionality of RefWorks and its associated tools;
  • Account issues and access.

NOTE: Some issues may require escalation to the ProQuest RefWorks Support team if a resolution cannot be identified during your session. Additionally, this session is not intended to provide a broad overview of RefWorks and its features. To learn more about using RefWorks, please register to attend the RefWorks Power Hour: Introduction to RefWorks workshop by visiting the Library Events Calendar.

Required Prior to Session

IMPORTANT: Provide detailed information about your RefWorks issue or specific questions in the booking form.

Schedule a RefWorks on Demand Session

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