UFV Library is ending its subscription to RefWorks as of July 15, 2015. Existing accounts will automatically expire on this date. Please read on for important information about migrating your RefWorks data to a new system.
Why are you doing this?
As of June 2015, the Canadian version of RefWorks will cease to exist, because the Canadian server that hosts RefWorks is no longer available. This comes at a time when the UFV Library’s budget has been reduced significantly, and the UFV Library has made the decision to discontinue its subscription to RefWorks altogether.
What are my options?
There are a number of options available to you – most of them are free services that will, like RefWorks, allow you to access your data from any device with an Internet connection. Please see a list of alternatives to using RefWorks on our web site: http://www.ufv.ca/library/refworks--ufv/alternatives-to-using-refworks/
Are any of these on Canadian servers?
The UFV Library has been unable to identify any citation management products that store data exclusively on Canadian servers. Popular competitor products like Mendeley and Zotero all store their data on non-Canadian servers. Your decision to share your personal data with any of these services is completely voluntary.
If you are worried about privacy, you might want to consider using desktop software, like Endnote or Word (but be careful not to use their cloud or web-based features, as these will require storing data on non-Canadian servers).
If you are an instructor at UFV, you must not mandate the use of any non-Canadian hosted bibliographic management system in your courses. BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) requires that use of systems located outside of Canada must be with prior written consent if the user has to provide personal information. If using bibliographic citation tools in a course is necessary, please consult the Teaching and Learning Centre about how to be privacy compliant.
How do I transfer my RefWorks data to another service?
You will need to first export your data from RefWorks, then import it into your new system. This guide from University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides instructions for migrating your data to EndNote, Mendeley and Zotero (just click on the tabs): http://guides.library.uoit.ca/refworksmigration
For other systems, the exporting piece will be the same, but you’ll need to consult the documentation for the system for instructions on importing.
I use RefShare – will I still be able to share my data with others?
If you are using the RefShare options within RefWorks and you have not heard from us already, please contact Colleen Bell (x4396 or colleen.bell@ufv.ca) immediately to discuss the best options for continuing to make your RefShare database available.
What if I have questions or need help?
Please contact the library at refabby@ufv.ca – we will be more than happy to answer your questions or help you find a solution.
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