Research Guides @ Fordham: Citation And Style: Zotero

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.

Current Users: Upgrade to Zotero 6

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:

Register for an online account at https://www.zotero.org/user/register
Next, download a local version of Zotero 6 to your personal computer: https://www.zotero.org/download/

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.

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:

Zotero Demonstrations & Consultations

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.

Zotero help is available by appointment for the Fordham community. Email one of the liaisons listed on this page to schedule a consultation.

Zotero Documentation

Zotero Documentation Guide
Information and help topics for Zotero can be found here.

Instructional Videos

Zotero Tutorials Playlist
A set of short Zotero tutorials from ZSR Library at Wake Forest University.

Plugins for Zotero

List of Plugins for Zotero
Zotero users have developed a variety of plugins to provide enhancements, new features, and interfaces with other programs.

Sharing Zotero Libraries

Zotero Groups
Zotero Groups enables sharing collections of bibliographic data with a class, colleagues on a collaborative project, or tracking scholarship in a given field with a research community online, etc. This link walks through setting up different types of groups and libraries within Zotero.

Zotero + iPhone & iPad

Zotero App for iPhone & iPad
Link to App available in the Apple Store.
Scan Books into Zotero with iPhone or iPad
Provides directions for enabling iPhones or iPads running iOS 12 to scan and save books in Zotero through barcodes.