Zotero Reference Management Guide

Overview

This lecture explains how to use Zotero, a free reference management tool, to efficiently organize, manage, and format academic citations and bibliographies within word processors like Google Docs and Microsoft Word.

What Is Zotero and Why Use It?

• Zotero is a free software for managing citations and references in academic writing.
• It automates formatting in-text citations and bibliographies, saving time and reducing errors.
• Zotero supports multiple referencing styles (e.g., APA, Harvard) and syncs data across devices.
• A Zotero account is recommended for cloud backup and synchronization.

Setting Up Zotero

• Download Zotero for Windows, Mac, or Linux from zotero.org.
• Install the Zotero Connector browser plugin to capture online resources.
• Register for a free Zotero account to enable syncing and backup.

Zotero Interface Overview

• The Zotero library is the main area for storing and organizing references.
• The left menu organizes resources into collections (folders) and custom tags.
• The right sidebar shows detailed metadata for selected resources and allows editing.

Adding References to Zotero

• Manual entry: Add new items by specifying the correct resource type (e.g., journal article, book).
• PDF import: Upload or link article PDFs; Zotero extracts metadata automatically.
• Identifier import: Use DOIs, ISBNs, or PMIDs to quickly add books or articles with the magic wand tool.
• Zotero Connector: Instantly add online resources via the browser plugin.
• Import from other tools: Transfer references from other software using formats like BibTeX or RIS.

Managing Your Zotero Library

• Use collections and subcollections to organize references by topic, method, etc.
• Tag resources with keywords for flexible filtering and searching.
• Use built-in search and saved search options for larger libraries.
• Utilize notes and related resource links to track key insights and connections.
• Annotate and highlight attached PDFs directly within Zotero.

Using Zotero with Word Processors

• Zotero integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Word through a plugin menu.
• Insert in-text citations by selecting 'Add/Edit Citation' and choosing the correct source and style.
• Create a formatted bibliography with 'Add/Edit Bibliography.'
• Change citation style anytime via document preferences.
• Refresh the bibliography after adding or editing citations for accuracy.
• Unlink citations to convert references to plain text before final submission or proofreading.

Key Terms & Definitions

• Zotero — Free reference management software for organizing and formatting academic citations.
• Zotero Connector — Browser extension for quickly saving web-based resources into the Zotero library.
• Collection — Folder-like groupings within Zotero for organizing references by themes.
• Tag — Keyword label assigned to references for filtering and navigation.
• DOI/ISBN/PMID — Standardized unique identifiers for articles and books used for quick import.
• Bibliography — Compiled reference list at the end of a document, formatted by Zotero.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Download and install Zotero and the Connector for your browser.
• Register for a Zotero account and set up library sync.
• Practice adding references manually, via PDF, and with identifiers.
• Organize references using collections and tags.
• Test integration with your word processor and insert sample citations and a bibliography.