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Ekstrom Library

Zotero

Zotero: A Step by Step Guide

Zotero is a user-friendly citation manager that anyone can download for free. Download the Zotero application and the browser extension for your preferred browser (works with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari).

Here are some of the things you can do: 

  • Instantly add citations from library databases and web pages with the browse extension
  • Create and organize a library of a variety of sources (i.e., articles, books, webpages, etc.) 
  • Format citations in a variety of citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, journal-specific styles)
  • Insert citations and generate a bibliography in Microsoft Word

Upcoming Workshops

Online workshops will provide a brief introduction to using Zotero for new users. If you would like more advanced Zotero support, please contact Tessa Withorn. You will receive a recording of the session if you register but are unable to attend. 

Should I use Zotero or EndNote?

Zotero is comparable to EndNote, a subscription-based citation manager that we have access to for free through UofL. Zotero is easy to use and you can add references quickly with the Zotero Connector browser extension, but there are some limitations. Here are some considerations to help you choose between Zotero and EndNote.

Zotero versus EndNote
Features Zotero EndNote
Requires university email ☓ ✓
Export citations from databases to a library ✓ ✓
Add citations to a library quickly with a browser extension ✓ ☓
Add notes and annotate PDFs ✓ ✓
Share group libraries ✓ ✓
Add citations in Word or Google Docs ✓ ✓
Free storage limit 300 MB 2 GB

Image Credits

This guide includes screenshots of Zotero, ScienceDirect, Academic Search Complete, and Microsoft Word.