Using Zotero is a way for you to collect, manage and organization citations for all the articles, books and other sources you find. You can use it to create Reference Lists and do in-text citations - a great way to save time during your research process. This guide will walk you through setting up and using Zotero, as well as some specific tips and strategies.
For each set up and use step, you'll find step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and video demonstrations of the process.
As you become a Zotero expert, keep in mind that's only one of the skill sets you need to be a good writer. Among other things, you'll want to check your formatting and citations using style guide resources (e.g the APA Publication Manual and Purdue OWL). You'll also want to practice how to acknowledge your sources and show respect for their work through paraphrasing, quoting, and other techniques.
Safari: Safari and the Zotero Connector often have issues working well together (it's a bit buggy). Generally, we recommend using Firefox or Chrome as your default browser.
To get the most out of Zotero make sure you have the most updated version of the Internet browser of your choice (Firefox or Chrome) and you'll need to have MS Word downloaded on your computer. Current MCPHS community members can download the office suite from MCPHS Office 365.
To get the most out of Zotero make sure you have the most updated version of the Internet browser of your choice (Firefox or Chrome) and you'll need to have MS Word downloaded on your computer. Current MCPHS community members can download the office suite from MCPHS Office 365.
| Setting | Action |
|---|---|
| Sync | Log in with the Zotero username and password you created. |
| Export | Choose your citation format. |
| Cite > Styles | Choose your citation format. If you don't immediately see your citation style of choice, click on Get Additional Styles... to find it. |
| Cite > Word Processors | Install Microsoft Add-in; use classic Add Citation dialog |
When you're done, on a PC you'll click OK/Save to close the Preferences and on a Mac you can just close the window - your choices will save.
Sync: Log in with the Zotero username and password you created.
Export: Choose your citation format (you can change this at any time).
Cite > Styles: Choose your citation format. If you don't immediately see your citation style of choice, click on Get Additional Styles... to find it.
Cite > Word Processors: Install Microsoft Add-in, then click the Use Classic Add Citation checkbox.
When you're done, on a PC you'll click OK/Save to close the Preferences and on a Mac you can just close the window - your choices will save.
If Zotero isn't meeting your citation management needs try one of these other options. Just remember to organize them somehow - your future self will thank you!