To use Zotero most efficiently, you need to create a free Zotero account and install two programs on your computer: 1) The Zotero application and 2) the Zotero browser connector. With a Zotero account, you can access your Zotero library from other computers and share items using the Groups feature.
Installation Steps
1. Download the Zotero application to your computer: first, open the Zotero download page, then select your operating system (Windows or Mac) and click the blue download button. Next, open the installation file you just downloaded (.dmg file for Mac OS and .exe for Windows OS) and follow the prompts.
2. Download the Zotero browser connector: return to the Zotero download page and select the browser you will be using. Then, click the install connector button and follow the prompts.
3. Create a free Zotero account: from the Zotero download page or Zotero.org, click Log-In. Next, click Register for a free account, and then follow the prompts.
In order to share Zotero libraries with other students and access your library from another computer connected to the internet, you'll need to use the syncing feature. Zotero automatically saves items from your Zotero library to your computer and only your computer. Once you've enabled synching, items, notes, links and tags in your Zotero library on your own computer are available online when you login to your Zotero account from another computer.
To enable syncing, you will need to link your Zotero account with the Zotero application on your computer:
You can find more information on synching in the Zotero Help Documentation on Synching
Adding items to Zotero from a library database
There are two ways to export a citation directly from a library database:
Option 1: Add using the Zotero browser connector by clicking the browser extension icon
Option 2: Add using the database's export function, which may appear in the database as the following, depending on the database: Export, Send To, or Cite; when prompted to select file format, select RIS.
Adding in-text citations to your paper in Word
There are a number of ways to keep your research materials organized. Here, we feature a few of our favorites.
Decide which research management tool would work best for you by comparing their basic features and functions below.
Have questions? Ask a librarian!
Introduction |
Zotero is an easy to use application for organizing your research materials, sharing them with collaborators, and citing them in a wide range of citation styles. |
RefWorks is a tool for storing and sharing your research materials, and citing them in commonly-used citation styles. To set up an account, use your Macalester email address. |
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Getting started | https://www.zotero.org/download/ | https://refworks.proquest.com/ |
Accessibility | Zotero | RefWorks |
Versions | Web-based & desktop | Web-based |
Desktop platforms |
Windows, Mac, Linux |
N/A |
Web browsers |
Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari |
Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari |
Cost & Storage | Basic account free with 300MB cloud storage | Free thanks to Institutional subscription with unlimited cloud storage |
Word processor integration |
Plugins for Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice are automatically installed on your computer when you first start Zotero. |
|
Built-in PDF annotation | Yes | Yes |
Option to share and collaborate | Yes | Yes |