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Bibliographic Management Tools: Zotero

EndNote? Zotero? Mendeley? Learn about bibliographic management tools.

Zotero versus ZoteroBib

Zotero is a free* citation manager that will allow you to collect, organize, share, and cite research items. Zotero offers local storage of data on your own computer, online access to your data, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox to ingest bibliographic metadata to ease the collection of citations. This digital tool is best suited for those interested in saving citations for long-term research. 

*While download and use of the software is free, data storage is separate. Users can store up to 300 MB for free. Annual plans are available for additional storage space.

ZoteroBib (a separate tool) will help you create a quick bibliography through manually entering items or ingesting metadata from library catalogs, newspapers, magazines, ISBNs, DOIs, and more. ZoteroBib generates citations in a browser that can be pasted into a research paper in an array of citation styles including MLA, APA, and Chicago. This digital tool is better suited for short-term research and/or assignment needs.

Zotero Demonstrations & Consultations

Other tips for the Fordham community:

  • Zotero help is available by appointment. Email one of the liaisons listed on this page to schedule a consultation.
  • Want a library to show your class how to use Zotero? Submit a Library Instruction Request Form. Indicate on the form that you would like Zotero instruction for your class.

Current Users: Upgrade to Zotero 6

Check for Updates in Zotero Library to upgrade

Have Zotero 5 installed but need to upgrade to Zotero 6?

  • Open your Zotero Library and go to Help then Check for Updates and follow the prompts.
  • After the update installs, restart Zotero to experience Zotero 6.

Read this blog post from Zotero to learn about the new features in Zotero 6.

Step #1 for New Users: Creating an Account & Downloading Software

Getting started with Zotero:

Zotero Download Screenshot

  • Zotero should recognize your operating system. For example, the image above shows Zotero offering a Windows download on a Windows computer. If you have a Mac or use Linux, click the links to download for those operating systems.
  • Next, open the Zotero library that was downloaded to your computer. On the top right side, look for the green arrow icon for syncing Zotero online accounts with the local, downloaded copy:

  • Enter the information from your Zotero.org online account here:

  • Press Set Up Syncing to finish the process.

Step#2: Add the Browser Connector

To add a browser connector so that you can click to save research items you find online, go to to Tools > Install Browser Connector > and follow the prompts.

To link your browser connector with your Zotero library and Zotero.org account, you will have to authorize your Zotero account. Go to your browser extension settings and open up the Options menu.

On the General tab, click to Authorize under the Save to Zotero.org heading.

Authorize account in Zotero connector

Step #3: Configure Zotero + Word Processing

Zotero provides plugins that will allow you to cite from your Zotero database as you write your paper. "Cite while you write" features are offered with the following word processing tools:

► After you configure the word processing option of your choice, close MS Word or the browser where you use Google Docs. Restart the application before trying to use the Zotero features.

Additional Zotero Tools

Known Access Issues

decorative Zotero’s browser connectors have been creating access issues for researchers at many academic libraries. Use these instructions to check your browser connector to make sure you have the most up to date version.

Zotero Documentation

Zotero Liaison

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Tierney Gleason
she/her/hers
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Contact:
Rose Hill Campus | Walsh Family Library | Room 129
tgleason11@fordham.edu
718.817.3574

Zotero Liaison

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Kirsten Lee
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Contact:
Lincoln Center Campus
Quinn Library
Room 202
bkilee@fordham.edu
212-636-6060
Website

Reference & Instruction Department

Reference & Instruction Department
Fordham University Libraries


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