Zotero

Zotero is an open-source tool and is not a Lesley supported resource. We will try our best to answer isolated questions, but the university does not offer trainings or consultations for the program. Please use the links in this guide to assist with any troubleshooting. 

Zotero has an extensive amount of documentation that covers everything from adding items to Zotero, etymology of the name (see what we did there?). You can also consult their troubleshooting pages or forums. If you still need help, you can post to the forum, where you can talk directly to Zotero's developers or enthusiastic members of the Zotero community. If you prefer to speak to a librarian, we can offer limited Zotero support if you email asklib@lesley.edu, but the Zotero documentation and forums will be your best bet.

Zotero is a citation management tool that combines a free desktop application, browser extension, and word processing plug-ins to help you organize and cite your research. It provides 300 MB of free attachment space, plus options to upgrade storage starting at $20 per year. Zotero's word processor plug-ins allow you to insert citations as you write, and works with Microsoft Office, Libre Office, and Google Docs. You can register for Zotero here and download the Zotero desktop application here.

The Harvard University Zotero Research Guide has extremely helpful information along with screenshot instruction and video tutorials for setting up and using Zotero. 

You can add references to your Zotero library in a number of different ways. Below are the most common ways; check out Zotero's "getting stuff in your library" guide for the full rundown.

USING THE BROWSER EXTENSION

1. Once you've added the browser extension (found on the Zotero downloads page), you can begin saving to your library from any web page. Simply click the Zotero button from the resource you want to save. If you have the desktop application open, it will save directly there. Otherwise, authorize Zotero to save to your online library, and then make sure to sync when you open the desktop app again.
2. Zotero will try to detect what type of resource you are on, so the icon may appear as a book, a PDF, a folder, or a plain web page.
3. Saving from the browser extension will work on @LL Search, any of the library databases, and the FLO catalog.

DRAG & DROP PDF

1. To add a PDF you have saved on your computer, simply open the Zotero application and drag your PDF into your library.
2. That's it, you're done!

USING AN IDENTIFIER

1. You can also search using an object identifier such as an article's DOI or a book's ISBN number. From the desktop application, click on the Add by Identifier button, which looks a bit like a magic wand.
2. Enter your resource's identifier and search. If Zotero can find the resource, it will be automatically added to your library

EXPORTING FROM @LL SEARCH

1. To export from @LL Search, go to the detailed record page for the resource by selecting the title on the search results page.
2. From the menu on the right side of the page, select Export.
3. A menu of options will come up; select Direct export in RIS Format.
4. If you have the desktop application running, it will export directly to Zotero. Otherwise, you will be able to download an RIS file that you can import into Zotero later.