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Zotero Basics

user guide for the citation manager Zotero

Getting Stuff Into Zotero

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.

Zotero Connector (Web browser extension)

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. 

different icons for the zotero connector

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 Folderzotero connector folder icon


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.zotero connector book icon


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.screenshot of the "is zotero running?" pop-up


When Zotero desktop application is open, and you click the Zotero icon, your citation (and sometimes PDF) will be added to your libraryscreenshot of article being saved to desktop zotero


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)zotero library showing the newly added article


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.orgscreenshot showing the connector saving an article from sage journals


The next time you open your Zotero desktop application, it should automatically sync, and the item will appear in your library.zotero library refreshing and then showing newly added articles

Export from a Database to the Zotero Desktop Application

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 applicationopen zotero from start menu of computer
  2. In the database, look for one of the following: Export, Save, Tools, Cite, or Export Citationarticle in ebsco database showing export option
  3. In the Export options, find the RIS file/format option.list of optoins in the ebsco export manager
  4. The file will be downloaded. screenshot of web browser winding with downloaded citation visible
  5. Click on the file or drag and drop it into Zoterodragging the downloaded file from chrome window to zotero window
  6. Click OK, RIS file will be imported. You will see the citation and an Import Complete message.import complete message in zotero window

Zotero desktop application: Add a Reference

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. import using a unique identifier - click the wand icon
  2. Hit the ENTER button on your keyboard. The citation will be imported.enter the identifier then hit ENTER
  3. If you have a PDF to add, you can drag and drop it into the same collection.drag and drop PDF from computer downloads into Zotero window
  4. Your citation and PDF will be in your collection now.pdf and citation information saved in zotero library

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.