RefWorks problems: What's the 'group code'?

People have been ringing to ask for the 'RefWorks Group Code' so they can access RefWorks off campus or via WiFi whilst on campus.

Logging in to RefWorks site

 A 'Group Code' message comes up if an authentication step is skipped.

Usually you'll see a log-in screen a bit like this picture. It is tempting to immediately type your BREO/library account details in the log-in boxes. That's where the problem comes in!! The system needs to know which institution you belong to first. RefWorks is used by hundreds of organisations, you see. 

To avoid the 'Group Code' message, you need to select your institution. So, ignore the log-in box and look underneath. There is a blue hyperlink saying 'Login through your institution' (this is known as the 'Shibboleth route' as well. Choose the University of Bedfordshire from the menu [Top tip: click 'U' to skip all the As, Bs etc] and then you'll be prompted for your usual username and password.

Installing Write-N-Cite

The other time you may see a dialogue box asking for the 'Group Code' is when you install the plug-in Write-N-Cite 4 (for which helps you create references in MS Word (step 5.2 on the Five Steps helpsheet). Underneath that box, you'll also see an alternative route which asks you to put in a log in code. That's the option you want.

When you found the download file for Write-N-Cite (by going to Tools>Write-N-Cite), you'll have seen the code above the 'Downloads' heading. Just copy the long code in the white box and then paste it into the relevant dialogue box in Write-N-Cite. 

This is something you only need to do once per device, when you first install Write-N-Cite 4. If you find Write-N-Cite 4 doesn't perform well on your machine - RefWorks are aware that it is glitchy for some operating systems/versions of Word - then we'd recommend installing Write-N-Cite III instead. The link to that download is under the heading 'Other Versions' on the download page.