RefWorks
refworks.proquest.com
What it is
RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service for collecting, organizing, collaborating on, and publishing research. Users can find, import, and save references from sources such as PubMed and the Library of Congress, then organize files including PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and HTML. Deduplication tools help maintain a reference library. The service can generate citations and bibliographies in more than 6,000 styles, and includes a citation style editor. Its RefWorks Citation Manager add-in connects with Google Docs and Microsoft Word. Researchers can privately share full-text documents and work together on group projects in real time. RefWorks also integrates with databases and library systems including Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and Summon. It runs in a browser, and its interface is available in nine languages. New users can enter an institutional email to check subscription availability; access is offered through subscribing institutions. Institutional administrators can manage accounts, distribute citation styles, measure usage, and set collaboration and annotation rights. Pricing is available on request, and the product page offers a trial request without stating its duration.
Spec sheet
- What it does
- RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service for collecting, organizing, collaborating on, and publishing research.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Purpose
- RefWorks is a cloud-based reference management service that supports institutions and researchers with research and writing workflows.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Trial
- The RefWorks product page offers a Request a Trial option without stating a trial duration.Read 7 Oct 2026 · refworks.proquest.com
- API
- RefWorks API documentation is available, and the documentation page identifies itself as EndNote Fusion API Documentation.Read 7 Oct 2026 · api.fusion.endnote.com
- Privacy
- The RefWorks sign-in notice says the institution is the data controller and ProQuest processes personal data under a contract with the institution to provide the service.Read 7 Oct 2026 · prod.refworks.proquest.com
- Support
- Clarivate lists 24/7 product training and support for RefWorks.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Administration
- Institutional administrators can manage user accounts through a secure admin dashboard, distribute institutional citation styles, and access analytics and reporting tools.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Citation styles
- RefWorks generates bibliographies and citations from thousands of citation styles; the product page lists 7,000+ styles.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Cloud access
- RefWorks is browser-based and provides a consistent interface and features across platforms.Read 7 Oct 2026 · refworks.proquest.com
- Collaboration
- Users can share projects and collaborate with administrative controls and permissions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Data formats
- RefWorks supports organizing data in formats including PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and HTML.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Deduplication
- RefWorks includes deduplication tools to help maintain the integrity and accuracy of a reference library.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Eligibility
- The signup page says RefWorks is available at institutions subscribed to the service.Read 7 Oct 2026 · prod.refworks.proquest.com
- File formats
- RefWorks can organize PDF, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and HTML files in one central workplace.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Institutional access
- New users enter an institutional email to check whether their institution has a RefWorks subscription.Read 7 Oct 2026 · prod.refworks.proquest.com
- Languages
- The product page says its interface is available in nine languages.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Mobile limitation
- The RefWorks interface was designed for comfortable tablet viewing and was not designed for mobile devices.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Reference collection
- Users can find, collect, import, and save references from sources including PubMed and the Library of Congress.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Research integrations
- RefWorks integrates with databases and library solutions including Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and Summon.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Security certifications
- Clarivate lists RefWorks certifications including ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 27032, ISO 27701, ISO 22301, and TX-RAMP Level 1.Read 7 Oct 2026 · clarivate.com
- Writing integrations
- RefWorks supports Google Docs and Microsoft Word through its RefWorks Citation Manager add-in.Read 7 Oct 2026 · refworks.proquest.com
- Writing tools
- RefWorks supports Google Docs and Microsoft Word through the RefWorks Citation Manager add-in.Read 7 Oct 2026 · refworks.proquest.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- More than 6,000 citation styles
- Google Docs and Microsoft Word add-in
- Real-time group collaboration
- Deduplication tools for reference libraries
- 24/7 product training and support
Limits
- Pricing is available on request
- Access is limited to subscribing institutions
- Interface was not designed for mobile devices
Who it suits
RefWorks suits researchers and students at subscribing institutions who need to organize references and work with citations in Google Docs or Word. Its administrative tools also suit institutions managing accounts and collaboration settings.
Verdict
RefWorks combines reference organization, citation tools, and online collaboration for institutional research workflows. Check institutional access and the mobile limitation before relying on it.
Where Specifiction places it
- Reference Management Software#18 of 267.9
- Citation Management Software#18 of 237.9