Reference management software

Reference management software deduplicates reference lists from multiple sources and helps with formatting search reports for ease of researcher use.

NHS England has taken out a subscription with ProQuest for all Knowledge and Library Services (KLS) staff to have access to RefWorks.

RefWorks was chosen for a number of reasons, including but not limited to:

• cloud-based so no problems with local installation
• can be Athens-authenticated so no problems with licence keys
• customisable institutional styles – building on the best of Healthcare Databases Advanced Searc (HDAS), we have set up a "KLS Evidence Search" style for search reports
• it's cost effective
• digital tool support, including the Save to RefWorks and a Microsoft Word plugin

Migrating to RefWorks

Items can be imported directly into RefWorks from some platforms, uploaded as a ".ris" filetype from others and using the browser plugin from webpages.

It may require a bit of change to existing processes. For example, you may want to export citation lists from databases then deduplicate and weed them in RefWorks rather than doing all this within a provider’s interface.

KLS Evidence Search institutional style

Building on the best of HDAS, we have set up a "KLS Evidence Search" style for search reports.

Once you have imported your search results into RefWorks, go to Create Bibliography and choose KLS Evidence Search from the institutional style list.

When RefWorks has applied the style, copy your formatted citations to the clipboard and paste them into your word processor of choice.

Training

Refworks have a selection of video tutorials on their YouTube page as well as support materials on their Customer Knowledge Center.

Requesting a RefWorks account

KLS staff can access RefWorks using their OpenAthens accounts. For non-KLS staff fill in the necessary request form available on the Health Education England (HEE) Service Desk.