Microsoft Word 2007
Working with the Bibliographic Sources File
The Source Manager for bibliographic sources maintains two lists: the Master List and the Current List. The Master List contains all bibliographic sources that you have entered. The Current List is specific to the open document and is saved with it.
This document concerns the Master List file named Sources.xml. This file, by default is stored locally. It is a good idea to copy this file to a location that gives you more flexibility of access. The following topics regarding the Master List file (sources.xml) are covered:
- The Default Location of the Master List file (Sources.xml)
- Relocating the Sources File
- Using the Relocated Sources File
- Tips and Considerations
The Default Location of the Master List file (Sources.xml)
The Master List file (Sources.xml) is stored locally (i.e., on your C:\ drive). The default location on campus is as follows:
C:\Documents and Settings\your_username\Application Data\Microsoft\Bibliography\Sources.xml
NOTE: The Bibliography folder and the Sources.xml file are not created until you create your first source.
Relocating the Sources File
The location of Sources.xml on the C:\ drive limits your access to the file if you work on more than one computer (e.g., on campus and at home). It is a good idea, then, to copy this file to another location such as your H:\ drive or a USB drive.
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On the computer desktop, double click the MY COMPUTER icon
The Explorer window opens. -
Using the navigational tools, navigate to the default location for Sources.xml
HINT: For more information, refer to Moving Around in Explorer -
Right click the Sources.xml file » select Copy
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Using the navigational tools, navigate to the new location
HINT: For more information, refer to Moving Around in Explorer -
Right click the new location » select Paste
The Sources.xml file is saved to the new location. -
OPTIONAL: Rename the file
HINT: For more information, refer to Renaming Files.
Using the Relocated Sources File
Once you have relocated your sources file, you will want to be consistent in your use of it. If not, you will not have access to the complete list of your bibliographic sources at all times.
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Open the document related to the bibliographic sources
OR
Open a new document -
From the References tab, in the Citations & Bibliography section, click MANAGE SOURCES
NOTES:
The Source Manager dialog box appears.
The Sources available in section currently displays Master List
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Click BROWSE…
The Open Source List dialog box appears.
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Use the Look in pull-down list to locate and select your sources file
HINT: The sources file has an .xml extension. -
Click OK
NOTES:
You are returned to the Source Manager dialog box.
The Sources available in section currently displays filename
Tips and Considerations
The Master List can quickly get extremely long, making it difficult to find the sources you would like to reuse. Additionally, you may want to keep sources related to a specific topic separate from others. Each time you complete a project, you may want to save the sources file with a unique name so that you can easily identify it and go back to it. This can be accomplished in a couple of ways:
Each time you complete a project, save a copy of the sources file with a unique name (e.g., Sources_biol101.xml). Then, go back to the original sources file and delete sources as needed so that you can start fresh with your next project. For information on deleting sources, refer to Deleting Sources.
If you are working on multiple projects at one time, save multiple copies of Sources.xml with unique filenames. When you are working on a project, use the sources.xml file designated for that project. For more information on selecting a source file, refer to Using the Relocated Sources File.
