Research Guides: Citation Management Software: Zotero

Need Zotero help?

If you are having non-technical issues with using Zotero reach out to one of our Zotero specialists:

If you need technical assistance (set-up, configuration, etc), please contact Zotero:

Zotero

Zotero is a free, open source citation manager similar to RefWorks and EndNote. With it you can collect, organize and cite within Word or LibreOffice.

Pros of Zotero:

Free open source software
Easy to learn
One click reference grabber (with connector)
Has plug-in options for Safari, Chrome and Firefox
Unlimited number of groups

Cons of Zotero:

Size limit - after 300 MB you have the option to upgrade for a monthly fee

Zotero Quick Start Guide

Zotero requires you to download an application (citation library) and to install a connector in your web browser. The connector will allow you to pull references into your library with one click while the library acts as your storage system. Zotero also has an add-in for Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs to allow you to cite while you write your paper.

Quick Start Guide
Download Zotero 5.0
Zotero should recognize which OS you are using and default to the corresponding application but make sure that you are downloading the correct application for your device.
Install the Zotero Connector
The Connector will all you to save resources with a single click. Firefox is the default browser listed but there are options for Chrome and Safari as well. This Connector does not work in Internet Explorer, Edge, or Bing.

Help Using Zotero

Help for Setting up and Using your Zotero Account:

Zotero Installation Instructions
Word Processor Plugins
Adding Items to Zotero
Syncing Data & Files
Zotero & Proxy Preferences
UC Libraries requires users to sign into the proxy server to access resources. This site provides information on how this works and options that are available through Zotero.

General Help:

UCL Short Zotero Tutorials
Zotero Help (from Georgia State)
Georgia State has a robust guide with many helpful videos. The creator of the guide even wrote a book on Zotero!
Zotero FAQs
Video Tutorials
Ask a Question
Submit a question to Health Sciences librarians using this form.

Writing with Zotero

Zotero offers two options to add citations in your Word document - the Default (which is a bar) or the Classic (which is a browsable/searchable box - that allows you to enter page numbers for your citation). To change to the Classic view:

In the Zotero application, Select Edit → Preferences
Select the Cite tab
Select the Word Processing tab
Check Use Classic option → OK