What are the best practices for citing sources with Zotero?

1 Install Zotero and its browser extension

The first step is to download and install Zotero from its official website. You will also need to install the Zotero Connector, a browser extension that lets you add sources to your Zotero library with one click. You can choose from different browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. Once you have installed both Zotero and the Connector, you can start adding sources to your library from various websites, databases, or catalogs.

2 Organize your library and sync your data

Zotero allows you to create different collections and subcollections to organize your sources by topic, project, or course. You can also add tags, notes, or attachments to your sources to enrich your library. To access your library from any device or location, you can sync your data with a free Zotero account. You can also use Zotero Groups to collaborate with other researchers and share your sources online.

3 Choose a citation style and format

Zotero supports thousands of citation styles, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard. You can choose a style from the Zotero preferences or download more styles from the Zotero Style Repository. You can also customize a style to suit your specific needs. To format your citations, you can use Zotero's word processor plugins for Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, or Google Docs. These plugins allow you to insert citations and bibliographies directly from your Zotero library.

4 Check and edit your citations

Zotero can help you generate accurate and consistent citations, but it is not infallible. Sometimes, the metadata of your sources may be incomplete, incorrect, or inconsistent. Therefore, you should always check and edit your citations before submitting your paper. You can use Zotero's citation editor to modify the details of your sources, such as the author, title, date, or page numbers. You can also refresh your citations and bibliographies to reflect any changes in your library.

5 Backup and export your library

Zotero is a reliable tool, but it is always wise to backup your library and data regularly. You can use Zotero's sync feature to store your library online, or you can use a local backup option, such as an external hard drive or a cloud service. You can also export your library or collections to different formats, such as RIS, BibTeX, or CSV. This can help you share your sources with other researchers or use them with other tools.

6 Learn more and get help

Zotero is a powerful and versatile tool that can enhance your research and writing skills. To learn more about Zotero's features and functions, you can explore its documentation, tutorials, forums, or blog. You can also get help from Zotero's support team, community, or librarians. Zotero is constantly updated and improved, so you can always discover new ways to use it for your research projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?