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RefWorks Migration Guide: Back Up References

This guide is intended to help UM patrons learn about the Library's decision to no longer provide access to RefWorks, explore alternate programs, as well as instructions on how to migrate their RefWorks data into other citation management programs.

OVERVIEW OF STEPS

  1. Before You Export

If you have extensively used Personal Note or customizable fields in RefWorks or require any additional support to migrate your RefWorks references, please contact:

Citation.Management@umanitoba.ca

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you haven't decided what program you want to use but you don't want to lose your RefWorks references it is suggested that you backup your RefWorks account and export it. Save the files somewhere you will remember until you have decided what you want to do.

 

BACKUP YOUR REFWORKS ACCOUNT

1.  Open RefWorks and LOGIN

2.  Hover over TOOLS >> and choose BACKUP & RESTORE

Note: Folders that do not contain any references will not be saved. If you have empty folders that you wish to retain add a reference to the folder before backing up

 

3. By default INCLUDE REFERENCES; INCLUDE RSS FEEDS; INCLUDE ATTACHMENTS;  and all your customized OUTPUT STYLES are all selected. If you do not want any of these make sure to deselect them. Choose PERFORM BACKUP.

 

4.  Save the file.  If you are not prompted to save the file, click the link that says CLICK HERE TO SAVE YOUR BACKUP FILE (in the bottom right hand corner of the screen) to download the backup to your computer.

Note: The default file will be saved as a .zip or .rwb file. Do not change the extension of the file as it is necessary to restore if you need to do so later.

Note: You cannot open the backup file.  Should you want a viewable copy of your references, use the EXPORT REFERENCES option listed below

EXPORTING INDIVIDUAL FOLDERS

1.  Open RefWorks AND hover over VIEW >> and choose ALL REFERENCES

2.   Hover over REFERENCES >> and choose EXPORT

export1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Ensure that in REFERENCES TO INCLUDE FROM >> ALL IN LIST is selected.

4. Next to SELECT AN EXPORT FORMAT choose BIBLIOGRAPHIC SOFTWARE export format and then click on EXPORT REFERENCES

 

4.  Depending on which browser you are using, your file may displayed as tagged text on the screen or it may be possible to save it as a file. If it displays in a tagged format in your browser, use the saving option to save as a .txt file (you may have to manually write in filename.txt)

5.  You can now save this file until you are ready to import it into another citation management program