What is Zotero and why would I use it?
Zotero is a tool that collects, manages, and cites the sources you find during your research. In addition to saving a citation, you can add notes and images in your Zotero library and in many cases automatically download PDFs.
You can use Zotero to...
- Create and organize a personal database of references
- Import references automatically from many websites and library E-resources
- Format bibliographies in your papers
Why choose Zotero over another tool, like RefWorks or Endnote?
- Your Zotero library is saved locally and though it is possible for you to create a cloud space and sync your citations, it requires you to adjust your settings on every computer you use Zotero with. If you do your research and writing mostly on one computer, Zotero is a great option.
- Zotero can be used offline -- an internet connection is not necessary to work with your Zotero library.
- Learning to use Zotero is easy
Where do I find Zotero?
Download Zotero from https://www.zotero.org/download/
1. Download the Zotero application for your operating system. If you plan to use Zotero with a word processor, close all word processing applications before running the installer (If you don't see the Zotero tab or toolbar in your word processor, you may need to manually install it - SEE DIRECTIONS).
2. When installing the Zotero connector, the option you are given depends on which browser you are using to access the page. In the example above, I used Firefox to access the Zotero site, so it prompted me to install the Firefox connector. Connectors are also available for Chrome and Opera. Use those browsers to access the Zotero page if you want to install their connectors. You can add as many connectors as you want -- they will all connect to your Zotero application.
Note: Safari 12 will no longer support Safari extensions distributed directly by developers. There is a workaround for using Zotero with Safari, but it will not have the full functionality available with other browsers. Zotero is beta-testing a Zotero connector for Safari 13. More information is available on the Zotero forum.
Getting Started Handout
Getting Started with Zotero
Zotero provides the ability to save references from many library catalogs and article databases with one click. Your Zotero library allows you to organize and edit the entries.
Collections: The left column includes My Library, which contains all items. Clicking the button above the left column creates a new collection, a folder into which items rleating to a specific project or topic can be placed.
Below that is the tag selector, where tags assigned to items can be added or removed.
Items: The items pane displays a list of all the items in each collection with icons that indicate the type of item (book, article, thesis, screenshot, etc.).
Item Details: This pane displays the bibliographic information that was imported by Zotero for each item. Each field can be edited. There are also options to add additional notes, attachments, links to the original sources, tags, and subject headings.