download and use Zotero

Using Zotero

"Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, annotate, cite, and share research." (zotero.org)

The desktop Zotero Application saves sources on your computer.
The Web Library saves sources online in the cloud; it can be used alone, or synced with the desktop Zotero Application to back up your research.

GETTING STARTED

Create a free account at zotero.org/user/register/
Optional for the desktop Zotero Application; required for the Web Library

Install desktop Zotero Application
Optional for the Web Library
1. Save and close all Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
2. Go to zotero.com/download/.

Optional - Install Zotero Connector on browser toolbar
1. Close all internet windows and tabs.
2. Open one tab in your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.). Go to zotero.com/download/ and click Install [browser] Connector.
3. To make the Connector visible in your toolbar, click the puzzle icon (). Next to Zotero Connector, click the pushpin (), or dots () then show in toolbar.

ADDING REFERENCES

Use the Zotero Connector
1. Open Zotero Application or Web Library (https://zotero.org → Web Library tab).
2. Navigate to your reference in the browser. Click the Connector icon.
  - If using the Web Library, you may be prompted to set up a proxy key → Click Accept Defaults.

Use an Identifier
ISBN, URL, DOI, etc. A title is not an identifier.
1. In Zotero Application or Web Library, click the wand icon () in the upper left.
2. Paste or type the identifier and hit enter.

Manually
1. In the Zotero Application or Web Library, click the plus icon () in the upper left. From the drop-down, select source type.
2. A blank reference will appear on the right side. Click next to each field to add information – add as much information as you can.

GENERATING CITATIONS

In-Text Citations or Footnotes – Desktop Application or Web Library
1. Select the source(s) you want to reference.
  - To select multiple sources, hold the Ctrl or Cmd key and click each one.
2. Click Create Citations () in the toolbar. Select citation style from dropdown.

Tip - Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition (Note) gives a shortened note. Select Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition (Full Note) for the complete citation. Many professors prefer students to use the complete citation for the first reference to a source.

Bibliography or Reference List – Desktop Application or Web Library
1. Select the sources for the bibliography.
  - To select multiple sources, hold the Ctrl or Cmd key and click each one.
2. Click Bibliography () in the toolbar. Select citation style from dropdown.