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Eastern Michigan University Halle Library

Zotero Citation Manager

This guide is designed to help the EMU community use Zotero to manage citations, organize research, and create bibliographies.

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 (opens in a new window)

 
Illustration of a ZoteroBib bibliography list in the web interface.
 

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 (opens in a new window)

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

  2. Enter a source
    • Paste a URL, book title, DOI, ISBN, or another 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 hovering your mouse over it and clicking the X button that appears to the right.
  • Create an in-text citation or footnote: click the quotation marks icon Quotation marks icon used to create an in-text citation or footnote to the right of the source and enter the page number or range you are citing. Next, click Copy Citation and paste it into your document.
    ZoteroBib menu for a single source with the copy-citation icon highlighted in red

Tips & Limitations

  • ZoteroBib stores your work locally in the browser on the computer you are using. If you clear your browser cache, your bibliography will be deleted. In private/incognito mode, your bibliography is cleared when you close the window.
  • Use the Link to This Version feature to create a version you can share with others.
  • Not ideal for long-term projects: If you are managing dozens of sources or writing a research paper, use the full Zotero program instead.

Need Help?