Zotero Citation Manager

Zotero gives you several easy ways to add references to your library. Here are the three most common methods: using the Zotero Connector, adding items manually, and importing files from databases or citation managers.

Each method has its strengths. Most users rely on the Zotero Connector for everyday research, but manual entry and file imports are essential for specialized sources. Try all three to see which works best for your workflow.

When to use: You’re viewing a book, article, or webpage online and want to save it directly.

1. Install the Zotero Connector (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari).
2. When you find an article, book, or other item you want to add to Zotero, click the Zotero icon in your browser toolbar.
   • The icon changes depending on the source type (book, article, or webpage).
     
     
3. Zotero saves the citation (and the PDF, if available) directly into your library.

Tip: Log in through the EMU proxy so Zotero can capture subscription-only PDFs.

When to use: The source is not online or metadata is missing (e.g., archival materials, handouts).

1. In Zotero desktop, click the green + (New Item) button.
2. Choose the item type (book, article, webpage, report, etc.).
   
   
    
3. Fill in bibliographic details in the right-hand pane (author, title, date, etc.).
   
   
    
4. Optional: attach a PDF or file manually.

Tip: Use this for primary sources, lecture notes, or anything Zotero cannot detect automatically.

When to use: You’ve exported references from a database (e.g., JSTOR, PubMed, EBSCO).

1. In the database, look for an Export or Cite/Download option.
   • Choose RIS, BibTeX, or EndNote format.
   • For assistance with a specific database, please ask a librarian.
2. In Zotero desktop, go to File → Import.

   

3. Select the downloaded file.
4. The references will be added to your library.

Tip: Many EMU databases allow bulk export, so you can import multiple references at once.