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RefWorks (Classic): Moving Citations from Word Processing Documents into RefWorks

Moving Citations from Word Processing Documents into RefWorks

Pre-existing bibliographies in word processing documents generally do not have field labels that permit importing into RefWorks. One work-around is to convert the bibliography into BibTex, then import the BibTeX file into RefWorks.

Note: This procedures works best with complete references, such as would be formatted in the APA style. Only minimal data can reliably be imported, so check your imported records.

This is a two step procedure.

First, in a word processing document:

   1. Open your bibliography.

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   2. Separate each reference with two carriage returns/spaces.

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   3. Select and copy the citations. Do not copy any additional text.

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   4. Go to MakeBib at http://www.snowelm.com/~t/doc/tips/makebib.en.html


   5. Paste your selection into the text box.

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   6. Click on Make BibTex source!

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   7. Copy the BibTex-encoded text that is generated

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Second, in RefWorks:

   1. Click References then click Import at the top of the screen.

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   2. Select From Text.

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   3. Select BibTeX in the Import Filter/Data Source drop-down menu.

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   4. Select Bibdesk (BibteX format) in the Database drop-down menu.

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   5. Paste copied information into the provided text box. Click Import.

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6. You may now click on View Last Imported Folder to view your records and move them to the folder of your choice.

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