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Zotero

Zotero is a free, easy-to-use tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources.

Using Zotero, you can: 

  • capture source information from articles, books, documents, and web pages to create citations
  • save citations from databases, websites, Google, library catalogs, etc. 
  • For an exhaustive list of answers to "How To" questions, just visit the Zotero Start Guide or Using Zotero Page.

Installing Zotero

Zotero is a local program that stores your data on your own computer. So to use Zotero, you first need to install it.

  • To begin, install the Zotero desktop app from the Zotero Download Page.
  • Select your operating system - Windows, Mac, or Linux - and the file will download to your computer.
  • Click the file and follow the prompts to complete the installation process. 
    • For step-by-step instructions for each operating system, click here.
    • Using a lab computer and unable to install software? Try ZoteroBib.

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Opening & Using Zotero

  • Zotero has a very helpful Quick Start Guide that provides an overview of Zotero's features and capabilities.
  • Once installed, a Zotero shortcut should appear on your desktop: 
  • Zotero can also be opened from your operating system's dock or file manager like any other program.

Zotero Connector

The Zotero Connector is an essential tool for users of Zotero. 

This tool is easy to install and automatically senses content as you browse the web and allows you to save items to Zotero with a single click.  

  • It easy to install and works with Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.  Click here to start installation of Zotero Connector.
  • If a PDF is available, the Connector can save it to your library to read later, and it can even save snapshots of webpages in case they change or disappear.

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A bookmarklet that works in any browser, including those on smartphones and tablets, is also available.