Importing Citations from Database Sources

Scrible can import citation data from academic databases using RIS (Research Information Systems) files. This guide explains how to export citations from databases like GALE and EBSCO and import them into your Scrible library.

Understanding Importing Citations from a Source in a Database

Importing citations from a source in a database can be a helpful feature when conducting research or writing academic papers. It allows you to easily include relevant information from a specific database source in your work.

Typically the Scrible extension will automatically pick up citation information from databases and websites, but there are situations when additional steps are required. In particular, Scrible might not retrieve citation information automatically when downloading a PDF from a database. But don't worry. If you return to the database and find the article again. 

Follow these simple steps to import citations from a source in a database:

1. First, open your desired document or project in Scrible, where you want to import the citations.

2. Navigate to the database where the source you want to import from is located.

3. Locate the specific source you want to import and select it.

4. Check if the database offers an "Export" or "Save" option for the citation.

5. Most databases offer a citation export feature that allows you to download the citation in RIS format (sometimes labeled as EndNote or Citavi). Typically you're looking for a "cite" button or link. (see below for some images of common cite buttons)

6. After downloading the RIS file from the database, you should be able to "grab" that file and drag it into the Scrible library. NOTE: If the downloads bar is unavailable, scroll to the bottom of the citation editor in the Sidebar and click the "Import citation or drag RIS file here" link. For more information, please see How can I use RIS citation imports?

7. Open a file picker and choose the RIS file you downloaded. It will load automatically into the citation editor.

8. Review the imported citations and make any necessary adjustments or formatting changes as needed.

Examples of Popular Databases

GALE	EBSCO
Click on the "Cite" button in the header bar Click on "Download RIS" in the dialog box that opens.	Choose the "Cite" option from the tools sidebar.  Click the Export to Bibliography Management Software link at the bottom of the screen that opens. Choose the Direct Export in RIS Format option and click Save.

Tips

• Verify accuracy: After importing, check that all citation fields (author, title, date, etc.) are correct.

• Multiple citations: You can import multiple RIS files to add several citations at once.
  

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