LibGuides: Zotero: Getting started

Getting started with Zotero

ZOTERO FOR YOUR REFERENCES

Zotero is a free reference management software that makes it easy to create correct citations and reference lists. To do so, you build your own library of sources, so you can keep track of them and cite them again and again. Zotero also makes group work easier with the ability to share reference information.

To become a Zotero-user, all you have to do is to go through these four steps.

1. Go to zotero.org, click on 'Log In' and select 'Register' for a free account

2. Download Zotero from zotero.org/download

3. Download the Zotero Connector from the same page you downloaded Zotero on.
(this is automatically downloaded in step 2, if you are on a Mac)

4. Open the Zotero desktop app and sync the desktop app with your online account.

The free version of Zotero has a storage limit of 300 MB per user, when using the online sync.

What does Zotero consist of?

UDERSTANDING HOW ZOTERO WORKS

Zotero consists of four parts, that all need to be setup for it to function correctly:

A desktop application that is locally installed on your computer. This is where your Zotero-library is located locally on your computer. This is where you can sort your sources in collections, edit the information about the sources and read pdfs.
An online library. This online/cloud library synchronizes with your local desktop application, so you will keep your references if you lose them locally. The synchronization is also what allows you to work together in group libraries.
A browser plugin. This plugin allows you to add references to your Zotero-library easily directly from your browser.
A word plugin. This plugin allows you to cite from your Zotero-library while writing in Word, and also makes it possible to generate a reference list.

My Library and Group Libraries

MY LIBRARY AND GROUP LIBRARIES

In Zotero, you can organize your references in different ways.

"My library" is where your references are stored by default. It is possible to create collections within this library and organize your references as needed. It is important to note, that your "My Library" always will contain all your references.

With group libraries, you can create a new library where files and references are stored separate from "My Library". Additionally, group libraries can be shared with others for example other group members. This makes it easier to collaborate in Zotero.

Link with the library system

CONNECT ZOTERO TO THE LIBRARY SYSTEM

You can connect Zotero with the library system, allowing you to quickly search for your references. This can be useful in several situations. One example could be that you have imported some references without accompanying PDF files, which you can now easily look up with the connection. Another example could be when you are using chapters from a book where it is only possible to download a limited number of pages.

To set it up, go to Zotero -> Edit -> Settings -> Locate and insert below link as Base URL:

Zotero: Getting started