ProQuest Updates RefWorks with New Organizational Tools

ProQuest has launched a new version of its reference management system, RefWorks, in an effort to simplify and improve research and collaboration workflows.

"With full-text management and tools for collaboration, the new RefWorks platform addresses the needs of students, faculty and librarians with an innovative feature set," according to a news release. "Libraries that offer this powerful service to their constituents have access to administrative controls that help their institutions respect intellectual property rights, professional support for themselves and their end-users and analytics that provide a consistent source of information on patron and content usage."

Features new to this version include:

  • A folder hierarchy designed to simplify content organization;
  • Tagging tools designed to help users retrieve appropriate citations quickly;
  • Z39.50 database search "with an initial set of databases that include the PubMed database, the Library of Congress and hundreds of library catalogs from subscribing RefWorks institutions," according to information released by ProQuest;
  • Advanced search tools;
  • A citation style view that displays references in any of more than 4,000 bibliographic or custom styles and identifies missing metadata; and
  • User interface improvements for Quick Cite.

"The innovations we have implemented in the new RefWorks platform enable users to focus their time on the tasks that are going to produce better papers — like discovery, analysis and collaboration," said Steve Guttman, senior director of product management at ProQuest, in a prepared statement. "We've taken a big leap forward with this new platform, and it will continue to evolve quickly. The latest release has some remarkable features."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • robot hand holding stacks of coins

    Designing AI Systems for Financial Aid

    Financial aid offices have been slow to adopt AI, risking technological stagnation at a critical early student touchpoint. Systematic AI integration can improve student experiences and strengthen institutional positioning.

  • Business Professionals Analyzing AI Technology

    Higher Education Does Not Need More AI Tools but Better AI Experiences

    For most colleges and universities, access to AI tools is no longer the barrier. The real work is building the clarity, confidence, and shared responsibility to use them well.

  • Abstract neural network 3D illustration

    Intel® AI EmpowerED: The AI-Ready Campus, Delivered

    Artificial intelligence is transforming higher education, prompting institutions to rethink how they manage infrastructure, security, governance, and workforce readiness. Successful adoption requires a strategic, institution-wide approach that aligns AI initiatives with educational goals, faculty enablement, and scalable operational frameworks.

  • glowing ai text in a digital cube surrounded by data elements

    USC Launches AI Initiative to Accelerate Innovation in Health Sciences, Security, Business, and the Arts

    The University of Southern California recently announced that it has launched a "transformational" new AI initiative thanks to a $200M gift from venture capitalist Mark Stevens and his wife. The project will leverage AI toward breakthroughs and innovations in subjects like the health sciences, business, security, and the arts.