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Zotero: Getting Started

This guide will assist users in installing and using Zotero to cite, save and manage their research sources.

Welcome to Zotero!

Zotero logo

What Is Zotero?
Zotero [pronounced zoh-TAIR-oh] is a reference manager designed to help users collect, collate, collaborate on and properly cite research sources - everything from books to articles to websites to images. Zotero is open source, cross-platform and can be used with a variety of browsers and software.

Why Use Zotero?
Zotero makes it easy to:

  • Organize and store your resources
  • Import citations as you go and easily create a bibliography
  • Share resources with a group or between devices

GSU Library Support Guides

Guides created by GSU Librarian and Zotero expert Jason Puckett.

Further Support

If you are having any difficulties with using Zotero or any questions that are not addressed in this guide, feel free to visit the Learning Resource Centre and speak with any member of staff. We are here to help!

Steps to Install Zotero

On Michener Campus Computers
Zotero icon

  1. If you are on Michener's campus using one of our computers, you already have access to the Zotero Standalone program. It can be accessed by double-clicking the icon on the desktop, which looks like the one to the right, or by searching for Zotero in your Windows Explorer menu. 
  2. Google Chrome iconYou will need to make sure the connector is downloaded for the browser you are using. The LRC recommends you use the Chrome browser. The Chrome browser can be identified by the icon to the right.
  3. To download the connector for Chrome, visit the Zotero website downloads page and select Install Chrome Connector.
  4. In the pop-up window, select Add extension.

On Your Own Computer or Device

  1. If you are at home or on your own device, you can download the standalone and the connector from Zotero.
  2. To install Zotero if you are on a Windows machine, simply run the setup program. To install Zotero if you are on a Mac, open the disc image file (.dmg) you have downloaded from the Zotero website. Drag Zotero to the Applications folder. You can access it via the Applications folder and/or add it to your Dock. If you are running Linux, follow the instructions listed here.
  3. Next download the connector for the browser you are running. Supported browsers include Firefox, Safari and Chrome. If you are unable to install a browser extension, you can save webpages or identifiers to your library from the save page or with the magic wand button from your web library.
  4. You can use Zotero directly in your word processing software. For more on this, see the MS Word Plug-In tab in this guide.

NOTE: You will need to create an account with Zotero in order to sync your library across computers and devices, and also for using the groups feature.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
Michener Institute of Education at UHN, 2018.