Zotero Basics

In order for Zotero to work, you'll need to input your citation information into its database. Happily, this is simple and straightforward. It is one of Zotero's real strengths. For most items, you'll just click the Zotero connector icon in your browser. The video below is a little old but still has great information - icons, browsers, and databases may look different than pictured in the video. For other items, you can export from a database or add directly through your Zotero desktop application.

The Zotero Connector is the easiest and preferred way to get citations (and PDFs) into your Zotero library. It works with JETfind, library databases, GoogleScholar, search engines, and websites. The Zotero icon will change depending on what you are viewing. 

If this is your first time using the connector, you need to set it up. Click on the Zotero Connector Setup page on the left.

When looking at a search results list - either in JETfind or a search engine - the Zotero Icon will change to a Folder

When looking at a JETfind record for an item (in this example a book) - the Zotero Icon will change to book. You might need to adjust the type of resource after the reference is in Zotero.

If you click the Zotero icon, and you don't have the Zotero desktop application open, you will get a message asking you to open Zotero or enable savings to your online library. If you are on your personal computer, you should open Zotero. If you are on a shared computer, enable savings to your online library.

When Zotero desktop application is open, and you click the Zotero icon, your citation (and sometimes PDF) will be added to your library

If a PDF was added, it will be visible under the citation (you need to click the arrow to the left of the citation information)

If you enable savings to your online library, you will  still see a saving message, the PDF can still be saved and it will read Saving to zotero.org

The next time you open your Zotero desktop application, it should automatically sync, and the item will appear in your library.

It is, once again, suggested that you use the Zotero Connector web browser extension. Directly exporting from a database to your Zotero desktop application uses RIS file types. In the example below, the export is from an Ebsco database and the web browser is Google Chrome.

1. Open your Zotero desktop application
2. In the database, look for one of the following: Export, Save, Tools, Cite, or Export Citation
3. In the Export options, find the RIS file/format option.
4. The file will be downloaded.
5. Click on the file or drag and drop it into Zotero
6. Click OK, RIS file will be imported. You will see the citation and an Import Complete message.

It is highly suggested that you use the Zotero Connector web browser extension. In the Zotero desktop application, you have two options for adding a reference.

1. Import a reference using a unique identifier such as a DOI, ISBN, PMID, or arXiv ID.
2. Manually create a reference.

1. Click on the Collection that you want to add a citation to. Then click on the "wand" icon. Enter the ISBN, DOI, PMID, or ArXiv ID. 
2. Hit the ENTER button on your keyboard. The citation will be imported.
3. If you have a PDF to add, you can drag and drop it into the same collection.
4. Your citation and PDF will be in your collection now.

Manually adding an item should be a last resort.

1. Click on the Collection you wish to add a citation to. Then click on the Green Plus Sign icon. You have many choices, select the appropriate one. In this example, Book Section was chosen.
2. In the column on the right, the information box will appear. Begin to add in your citation information.
3. Once you add a title, the citation will appear in your collection. Add as much information as available.