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Zotero

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.

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, Writing