Using Zotero for Reference Management
Download Zotero and Register for an Account
Note: Zotero only works as a plugin for the Firefox web-browser.
In Firefox, go to the Zotero website www.zotero.org
Click the large download button.
Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the download and install the plugin.
After completing the installation, you will see the registration screen.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your Zotero account registration.
Opening the Zotero Plugin
Open your Firefox web browser.
Click the Zotero icon (bottom right of browser screen).
Adding References Manually
In the Zotero plugin, click the new item button.
From the drop-down menu that appears, select the type of item (book, journal etc).
In the right hand pane of the Zotero plugin, add details to the fields you require.
Your new reference record will appear in the central pane.
Adding References from a Catalogue or Database
Using your Firefox web browser, locate the reference you are interested in within an online catalogue or database.
An icon looking like either a sheet of paper or a yellow folder will appear at the right of the Firefox address bar.
Click this icon to Save to Zotero.
If you have multiple records on the screen, Zotero will ask you which items you would like to add to your library.
Your newly added items will appear in the central pane of the Zotero plugin.
Adding a Reference for a Website
Click the Create new item from current page button at the top of the Zotero plugin.
A record with details of the webpage you are viewing in Firefox along with a snapshot of the webpage will appear in your library.
Adding References from Existing pdf Files
Drag the pdf file from it’s folder on your computer to the central pane in Zotero.
Right click on the pdf file in Zotero and from the drop-down menu select retrieve metadata for the selected item and follow on-screen instructions.
Zotero will retrieve the bibliographic information for the pdf and add it to your library.
Importing References from Text Files (.ris, .bib etc)
Click on the actions button on the Zotero toolbar.
Select import from the menu.
In the file browser window that appears locate and select the file to import.
Organising Your References
Collections contain sets of references. You can create collections to help organise your references.
To add a new collection, click the add collection button on the top left of the Zotero toolbar.
Give the new collection a name
Open the collection by clicking on it in the left hand pane of the Zotero plugin.
You can add references from other collections simply by dragging and dropping items from one collection to another.
Creating Groups
Groups allow you to share and build reference collections with others.
Start by clicking the create group button.
You will be taken to the Zotero website, follow the instructions to complete the creation of your group.
Adding in-text Citations to a Document
Visit www.zotero.org/support/word_processor_plugin_installation
Follow the instructions for installing the correct plugin for your platform and word processor.
Several new buttons will be added to the toolbar in your word processor.
Open your word processor and load or write your document.
Position your cursor where you want to insert a citation.
Click the Zotero insert citation button.
Select the citation style for the document from the window that opens.
In the next window that opens, pick the record(s) you wish to cite and click ok.
Creating a Bibliography
Open your word processor along with a document containing Zotero citations.
Position the cursor at the bottom of your text.
Click on the Zotero insert bibliography button.
Syncing your Zotero Library
Syncing your library ensures that the browser and web versions of your library are the same.
Click the sync with Zotero server button at the top right of the Zotero plugin.
Follow instructions to complete the synchronisation of your library.
Useful Links
Zotero quick start guide – http://www.zotero.org/support/quick_start_guide
Zotero video tutorials – http://www.zotero.org/support/screencast_tutorials
For further help in using Zotero contact your subject Librarian