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Zotero

Using Zotero

1. Create a Collection

Zotero works best if you create a collection. Click the icon of the folder with a plus to create a collection.

2. Save Sources

After you install the plugin, you can add items to Zotero by clicking on the icon next to your address bar. Depending on the source, the icon will change. You may also need to look under the puzzle piece to find it. Note: You must have Zotero open to save the source. Otherwise it will save to the main level of your Web Library (and the item type may be wrong).

3. Fix the Metadata

After you add an item to your Zotero library, you need to verify that the information imported correctly. Somethings to look out for are:

  1. Authors names
    1. Did Zotero bring in just the names or did it also include a number or email address?
    2. Do you need to switch the author to a single field?
    3. Do you need to change the role of the author to editor, director, or another choice?
  2. Article title: If you plan to use APA, you need to change the entry into title case by right-clicking and selecting the Sentence case option.
  3. Page numbers (for articles/chapters): Did the start and end page both come in correctly?
  4. Extraneous information: Sometimes extra information is pulled in and you need to edit it. When in doubt, fix the metadata here and re-export.

4. Create a Bibliography

You can export items from Zotero by right-clicking either the collection or the entry and choosing the appropriate option. By default, Zotero will save your reference list as an .rtf file. Open that file in Microsoft Word and re-save it as a file with the .docx extension.

5. Use Zotero with Microsoft Word or Google Docs

If you're using the Zotero app on your computer or VLAB, Zotero will help you insert in-text citations as you write!

Last Updated: Oct 2, 2024 8:22 PM
URL: https://library.brockport.edu/zotero