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Zotero

Reference managers are easy-to-use tools that can help you collect, organize, cite, and share research sources. This guide will explain how to install Zotero and Mendeley.

What is Zotero?

Zotero [pronounced zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share research sources.  

[*video features Firefox, but Zotero also works with Safari and Chrome]

To get started:

Each Zotero account comes with 300 megabytes of file storage for storing citation information, PDFs, notes, etc.  If you find it necessary, you can purchase additional storage from Zotero.

New Zotero functionality and features

  • Zotero 6 is available as an iOS app for both iPads and iPhones, which can be downloaded and installed from the Apple App Store. There is currently no Android app for Zotero. NOTE: Before using Zotero on a mobile device, you should download Zotero on your laptop or desktop and create an online account.

Zotero How to Guides and Videos

To install Zotero you will install Zotero Standalone and a browser connector (Safari, Chrome, Firefox).  Zotero does not work with Internet Explorer.

Each Zotero account comes with 300 megabytes of file storage for storing citation information, PDFs, notes, etc.  If necessary, you can purchase additional storage from Zotero.

Quick Start Guide and Online Book

Zotero Workflow

Have an existing bibliography? Create citations.

An online tool, AnyStyle can be used to extract bibliographic references from documents in 3 simple steps:

  • Copy and paste your citations into the input box on the web site
  • Use the easy editing tool to make corrections
  • Generate a BibTeX that you can import into Zotero

Running Zotero if you do not have a PC or a MAC computer...

Have a Chromebook?

Zotero can be run from a USB or external hard drive using portable apps.  Instructions available on GitHub. This option can also be used with a public computer.

Use a mobile device or tablet?

Use Zotero on your mobile device using Bookmarklet.  It will save items directly to your zotero.org account.