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Zotero

A guide on using the Zotero citation tool. Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, annotate, cite, and share research.

About Zotero

 

 

Zotero is a free citation management system where you can collect, manage, cite, and share research. You can use it to store citations, highlight and annotate webpages, and collaborate by using groups through Zotero's website. All your citations will be saved to the Zotero server.

 

Zotero works similarly to other citation management systems in that a browser-independent desktop application is used to access and organize your citations. The Zotero application can be installed on Windows, Macs, and Linux operating systems.

 

Along with the desktop application, Zotero also offers a browser extension (the Zotero Connector) that can be installed into the browser of your choice (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Opera) from the Zotero download page. The browser extensions allow you to easily add items from web pages to your Zotero library by clicking on the extension button to the right of the browser search bar. 

Zotero Tutorial

Simple Setup Instructions

Zotero is a free reference management software that helps users collect, organize, cite, and share research resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Zotero:

Install Zotero
  • Download: Visit the Zotero website and download the application for your operating system.
  • Browser Connector: Install the Zotero connector for your preferred web browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) to save references directly from your browser.
Create an Account
  • Sign up for a free Zotero account on the Zotero website. This allows you to sync your library across devices and access it online.
Add References
  • Manually: Click the "New Item" button in Zotero and select the type of source (book, article, etc.) you want to add. Fill in the details.
  • From Browser: When viewing a webpage or an academic article, click the Zotero connector icon in your browser’s toolbar to automatically save the reference.
  • Import Files: You can also import references from other databases or bibliographic management software through file import options.
Organize Your Library
  • Collections: Create folders (collections) to organize references by topics, projects, or categories.
  • Tags: Use tags to add keywords that help categorize and filter your references.
Cite References
  • Use Word Processor Plugins: Zotero integrates with word processors like Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Install the add-ons based on the platform you're using to insert citations and generate bibliographies effortlessly.
  • Choose Citation Style: Customize the citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) in the settings to match your requirements.
Sync and Backup
  • Make sure your Zotero library is synchronized with your online account to back up your data and access it from different devices.
Share Your Library
  • You can create group libraries to collaborate with others. Invite colleagues or peers to your group to share references.
Take Notes
  • Zotero allows you to add notes to each reference, which is helpful for summarizing key points or ideas related to your sources.
Tips:
  • Regularly check for updates to keep your Zotero software functioning optimally.
  • Explore additional plugins and tools available that can enhance your Zotero experience.

 

By following these steps, you should be able to set up and effectively use Zotero for your research needs! Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance.