RefWorks, Endnote Web, and some of the free software sites have the following basic, common features:

• Web-based (that is, once you’ve set up an individual account, you can use the service from any internet connection)
• Online storage space for your citations
• Importing of citations from major database vendors such as ProQuest or Ebsco either directly or indirectly (more information)
• Importing of citations from MARQCAT, our online catalog
• Ability to cite references in papers and to create citations and bibliographies in various style formats (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)

• Direct importing/exporting: means that while you’re in a database such as ProQuest, you can send selected records/references directly to your citation management account (RefWorks or Endnote Web).
• Indirect importing/exporting: means that when you’re in a database such as the Cambridge Companions, you must first save selected records into a file (usually a text, or .txt, file), and then from within the citation management system, you import that file.
• Importing vs. exporting: both words describe the basic action of getting citations from a database into the citation software without needing to re-key them.  The two names just reflect your starting point!  For example:

1. Starting from inside a database, where it's usually called 'exporting'
2. Starting from inside the citation management software, where it's called 'importing'