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How To Do Research

What is Zotero?

What is Zotero?

Zotero is a free reference manager designed to store, organize, and cite bibliographic references, such as books and articles.  Zotero helps you to collect your research with a browser extension (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari) that works in library databases and general internet websites.  

To start using Zotero, go to the site below, create a free user account so you can access the web version, install the browser extension, and install the desktop application on your personal device.

If you have any questions or need assistance setting up Zotero on your own device, feel free to contact the library - see library help box on this page!

Zotero - Basic Steps

Getting Started

Go to https://www.zotero.org/

  • Download Zotero for Desktop
    • (this is different than the web version)
  • Download Zotero Connector for your browser of choice
  • From the Zotero homepage, click on log in, then register for a free account.
    • This account on the Zotero webpage will allow you to sync the app across multiple devices.

Collecting and Organizing Articles/Citations

  • Collect and organize articles that you find in library databases, on google scholar, or at other websites.
  • Three ways to add articles to Zotero:
    • Manually
    • DOI or other identifier
    • Zotero Connector extension (in Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari)
  • Create Collections
    • Create folders for each of your research assignments/projects.
  • Use the same article in different collections if needed.
  • Add notes to articles

Citation Management in Word & Google Docs

Manage your intext and full citations through the Zotero tab

Word (Desktop versions only)

  • If the Zotero tab doesn’t appear in Word
    • In Zotero App>Edit>Preferences>Cite>Word Processors – Reinstall

NOTE: Online Word/365 Word does not support Zotero – you can manually add citations you have collected/saved in Zotero, but it won't have the automated functionality or Zotero tab available in the full desktop version of Word.

Google Docs, LibreOffice - The Zotero tab will appear after installing the app. 

Click on Add/Edit Citation

  • First time – Document Preferences – select your citation style.
  • If you need to add – Edit>Preferences>Cite>Get additional styles (ex. Con Bio)

To add a citation

  • Search Bar – type in author or title

Add bibliography

  • Click ad

For more information about how to install or use Zotero, consult the video and links on this page, or ask a librarian.

Subjects: Research