Zotero Citation Manager

This guide is designed to help the EMU community use Zotero to manage citations, organize research, and create bibliographies.
Whether you're just getting started or exploring advanced features, you'll find tools and support throughout this guide.

📝 Using ZoteroBib: Quick and Easy Citations

ZoteroBib is a free, browser-based tool created by the makers of Zotero.

It helps you build a bibliography or citation list instantly—without creating an account or installing any software.

It’s a great option when:

  • You only need a few citations
  • You’re working on a one-time project
  • You’re on a shared or public computer
You can use ZoteroBib at zbib.org		  

🔹 What ZoteroBib Can Do

With ZoteroBib, you can:

  • 📚 Create full citations in hundreds of styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)

  • 🔍 Search by title, DOI, ISBN, URL, or PubMed ID

  • ✍️ Manually edit citation details

  • 📄 Copy formatted citations into Word, Google Docs, or email

  • 📁 Export your bibliography in formats like RTF, HTML, BibTeX, and RIS

🚀 How to Use ZoteroBib

1. Visit zbib.org

You’ll see a search box that says “Cite anything.”

2. Enter a source

  • Paste a URL, book title, DOI, ISBN, or other identifier

  • Click “Cite”

ZoteroBib will search for the source and display a formatted citation.

3. Review and Edit

  • Click the pencil ✏️ icon to make corrections or add missing information

4. Choose a Citation Style

  • Use the drop-down menu under “Bibliography” to select a style (e.g., APA 7, MLA 9, Chicago 17)

5. Copy or Export

  • Copy the whole bibliography to your clipboard

  • Or export it as:

    • RTF (for Word)

    • HTML (for web use)

    • RIS or BibTeX (for citation managers)

 

Helpful Tips!

  • Delete a source by hoovering your mouse over it and clicking the X button that appears to the right.
  • Create an in-text citation or footnote by clicking on the quotation marks   to the right of the source and entering the page number or page range you are citing. 
    Next, click Copy Citation and paste into your document.

🛠️ Tips & Limitations

  • ZoteroBib stores your work in the browser on the computer you're currently using. If you clear your browser cache, it deletes the bibliography. Also, if you're using private/incognito mode in your browser, your bibliography will be cleared when you close the window.
     
  • You can use the Link to This Version feature to create a version you can send to someone else.
     
  • Not ideal for long-term projects: If you’re managing dozens of sources or writing a research paper, use the full Zotero program instead.

📚 Need Help?

  • Last Updated: May 29, 2025 5:16 PM
  • URL: https://guides.emich.edu/zotero
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