Use Zotero

Zotero is a free bibliographic software program which manages references (citations) you collect from databases, library catalogues, websites or create manually. The program automatically formats the saved citations in any standard reference format. Zotero is capable of storing fulltext articles, creating a snapshot image and/or a web link of any webpage. Zotero also offers the ability to store and synchronise your collected references on an internet based server. See also Zotero Website.

About Zotero

The Zotero website offers many video presentations and tutorials ranging from an overview to specific features and functions.

Zotero's support pages contain a helpful quick start guide.

Installing Zotero

Zotero can be downloaded from their website at this location http://www.zotero.org/download/
Two download options are available:

1. Zotero for Firefox

Allows you to download Zotero directly into the Firefox browser.

The Firefox browser will need to be installed on your computer before any other step and can be downloaded from http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

After the initial installation of Zotero for Firefox remember to install the required Word processor plugin underneath the download icon.

2. Zotero Standalone

Installs Zotero as a separate application allowing you to use a wider variety of browsers – Chrome, Safari and Firefox.

After the initial installation of Zotero Standalone remember to install the required browser extension underneath the download icon.

Installation instructions for both downloading options can be found on the Zotero website, including a video detailing installation and registering of personal accounts, as well as troubleshooting hints for the installation process.

On Campus

The Firefox browser is installed on many of the University computers. However Zotero for Firefox may not be installed on to the browser itself. In some cases you may be able to download and install Zotero for Firefox yourself but if this is not possible please contact the computer support staff for your department/faculty. In order to install the Zotero Standalone version you must seek assistance from your computer support staff.

Zotero Compatibility

Zotero is compatible with most recent Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. As long as your computer can install and use Firefox, Chrome or Safari browsers then installing and running Zotero shouldn’t be a problem. If you need help with these browsers visit their respective webpages.

If you encounter any problems with Zotero you can visit the Zotero help pages to try and find solutions.

Word Processing Software

The following link provides the necessary information and plugins required for Zotero for Firefox to work with a variety of Word processing software.

A Summary of compatible word processors and operating systems is listed here.

• Microsoft Word
  • Word 2003 or newer with Windows XP or newer
  • Word 2004 to 2011 with Mac OSX 10.6.3 or newer
• Apache OpenOffice
• LibreOffice

Google Docs

Full compatibility is not yet implemented but citations and individual references can be inserted as described on this webpage http://www.zotero.org/support/google_docs