Using Citation Management Software with UC Licensed Databases
Using Connection files to search databases and capture references
Connection files allow you to search and import references from a remote database using your citation management software. The Connect feature is very handy for simple author or title word searches, but for complex searches you should conduct your searches in the native database interface and then export (download) your results for use with your citation management software.Connecting to UC's licensed databases from off-campus
To use the connect feature to access UC's licensed databases from off-campus you must use your campus VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. The connect feature does not work via the campus proxy service.
What you miss using connection files instead the database's web interface
- Access to full text of articles via UC-eLinks.
- Access to Request for Interlibrary Loan via UC-eLinks.
- Special vendor features such as Saved searches, Alerts, RSS feeds, etc.
- The ability to perform complex searches.
Capturing references from searches done in the native database interface
Direct export of search results
Some UC licensed database vendors, e.g., OCLC, Ovid, Gale, and ISI offer a direct export feature in their web interface which allows you to automatically transfer your saved citations into your citation management software. Note: You may need to download the latest import filters in order for direct export to work correctly. Always check the database's online Help feature for information.Using import filters to capture search results
Some of the UC licensed databases do not have an export function. Instead they provide special formatting of your search results that you can use to export (download) the data into a text file and then import that file into your citation management software using an appropriate filter file.
Note: Your campus library web site may include Connection Files or Import Filters that are tailored to work specifically from your campus or to resolve specific database searching or downloading issues. Contact your library's expert in citation management software for assistance.
| Basic Troubleshooting | |
|---|---|
| Problem | Alternative |
| Database vendor requires accounts/passwords in the Connect file | Check your campus library web site for more information on campus-specific connfection files and import filters or contact your library's expert in citation management software for assistance. |
| Connect files do not work from off campus | You cannot use the connect feature within your citation management software program if you are accessing UC's licensed databases off-campus through a proxy server. The connect feature will only work if your workstation is connected to the campus network or via a campus VPN (Virtual Private Network) service. Check Off-Campus Access: Questions and Answers for Users to see if your campus provides a VPN service. |
| Import filters do not work properly | Contact your library's expert in citation management software for assistance or contact your software vendor. |
| URLs not included in results | CDL will explore with vendors the possible inclusion of the UC-eLinks option to retrieve full text URLs. |
| Holdings not included | CDL will explore with vendors the possible inclusion of the UC-eLinks option to retrieve library holdings. |
How to Get Help
Contact your campus library
If you need further assistance with your citation management software, contact your campus library. Many of the UC campuses have information and assistance available to their faculty, staff, and students who use EndNote or other citation management software. Examples are below. If you do not see your campus listed, check at the campus library as most campuses do offer classes on using citation management software and often have resident "experts" who can assist you with your needs.| UC Berkeley | http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/BIOS/refman.html (Web site) |
| UC Irvine | http://www.lib.uci.edu/services/workshops/schedule.html (Classes) |
| UC Los Angeles | http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/yrl/reference/seminars.htm (Classes) |
| UC Riverside | http://library.ucr.edu/?view=help/bibsoftware/index.html (Guides) |
| UC San Diego | http://libraries.ucsd.edu/services/bibsoftware/ (Web site) |
| UC San Francisco | http://www.library.ucsf.edu/research/help/endnote/ (Guides) |
| UC Santa Barbara | http://www.library.ucsb.edu/webstations/faqresearch.html#endnote (Guides) |
| UC Santa Cruz | http://library.ucsc.edu/science/endnote (Web site) |
Contact your software's Technical Support staff
| EndNote | Technical Support | http://www.endnote.com/support/ensupport.asp |
| Connection Files | http://www.endnote.com/support/enconnections.asp | |
| Import Filters | http://www.endnote.com/support/enfilters.asp | |
| ProCite | Technical Support | http://www.procite.com/support/pcsupport.asp |
| Connection Files | http://www.procite.com/support/pcz3950.asp | |
| Import Filters | http://www.procite.com/support/pcconfig.asp | |
| Reference Manager | Technical Support | http://www.refman.com/support/rmsupport.asp |
| Connection Files | http://www.refman.com/support/rmz3950.asp | |
| Import Filters | http://www.refman.com/support/rmfilters.asp | |
| RefWorks | Technical Support | Email Info@refworks.com or phone 775-327-4105 |