SallySmith_A5

Evaluation of RefWorks

I chose to evaluate RefWorks, a citation manger run by ProQuest. I was not able to make my own RefWorks account because UNC does not provide a student subscription option. This prevents mass use of the software but signals to me that the quality of the software is much greater than Zotero. Like EndNote, RefWorks requires a fee to use the software, but this potentially means that it provides more tools and capabilities than other free-to-use managers. I primarily assess RefWorks by looking at ProQuest’s website as well as various Library LibGuides and instructional videos.

Strengths

RefWorks allows you to easily collect and organize your articles into one centralized location. Users can create folders and tags for their research, as well as providing deduplication of records. Tags are flexible and user-assigned. The search function allows users to search for tags which creates dynamic libraries. You can annotate and highlight full-text documents in your libraries and then can share them with other RefWorks users. Users also can either capture records from webpages as they search for articles or upload PDFs from their computer directly into their library. RefWorks provides an offline option in which records can be viewed and read without internet connection. However, you have to use Dropbox to create copies of your articles.

Additionally, users can save results from databases and then import them into a library. RefWorks provides an unlimited number of references to be added to your library or folders. In addition to collecting research, RefWorks has a Write-N-Cite tool that allows users to insert citations formatted in their chosen citation style into their Google Scholar or Microsoft Word documents, both as in-text citations and full references at the bottom of their paper. The plug-in does not work well with Microsoft Word 2016 on Macs which could present issues to several users.

RefWorks is a web-based software which allows users to access their library from multiple computers. This is an added benefit that puts it above software like EndNote which you can only use all the tools on one computer. The software complements traditional library activities by allowing librarians to see directly how the software is being used by looking at usage statistics, distributing citation styles tailored to their institution, and to oversee copyright compliance.

Weaknesses

RefWorks may not import all correct metadata for references and will need to be cleaned up by hand. You also cannot search within uploaded PDFs which limits the search function. It also will only work on computers and does not have a compatible app for iPads or other tablets. Additionally, working offline is a little more difficult because you will need to use Dropbox to copy articles into. Articles shared via collections are also restricted from reading offline. Another limitation to adding references is that all PDFs will have to be uploaded individually and not as a group.

Although RefWorks allows users to share collections, they can only share to those who have RefWorks accounts, an expensive subscription if an institution does not cover the cost. Individuals are also not allowed to pay for a subscription themselves and need an institution to subscribe to them. It is also unclear whether users can share collections with users outside of their institution. It seems that the possibility of sharing with all RefWorks users depends on which version they are using.

RefWorks does not have social capabilities other than sharing article collections and allowing multiple collaborators when annotating PDFs or working on a document. Lastly, although you have an unlimited number of files that you can attach to a reference, there is a limit to the file size that you can attach.

Overall

RefWorks seems like a good option for most researchers. However, if you want to collaborate with a team, you will need to make sure that you all have access to RefWorks and a compatible word processing software. Additionally, you would want to make sure that you are only doing research on a computer and will need to also manage a Dropbox account so that you can work offline. RefWorks will also restrict access to your library if your institution chooses to end their subscription. A researcher with an extensive database of records will perhaps want to have a backup option or chose a reference management software that is downloaded onto a device.

References

Create Bibliographies. Boston University Libraries. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://library.bu.edu/c.php?g=542821&p=4093192.

Ivey, C., & Crum, J. (2018). Choosing the Right Citation Management Tool: EndNote, Mendeley, RefWorks, or Zotero. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 106(3), 399-403. http://jmla.pitt.edu.libproxy.lib.unc.edu/ojs/jmla/article/view/468

RefWorks Transition Guide. Brown University Library. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://libguides.brown.edu/refworks/faqs.

RefWorks: Connect to RefWorks. Marquette University: Raynor Memorial Libraries. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://libguides.marquette.edu/c.php?g=36672&p=232976.

RefWorks. Dominican University of California. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://libguides.dominican.edu/c.php?g=615012&p=4276347.

RefWorks. North Central University Library. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://ncu.libguides.com/c.php?g=717116&p=5104705.

RefWorks® - ProQuest. ProQuest. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2021, from https://about.proquest.com/en/products-services/refworks/.

I have neither given nor received aid while working on this assignment. I have completed the graded portion BEFORE looking at anyone else's work on this assignment. Signed Sally Smith