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Zotero Citation Management

This guide will help you in understanding how to use a citation management tool like Zotero. You can use this tool to keep track of all your resources in your own personal database and cite your sources.

What Can Zotero Do?

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Zotero is a free citation management tool which means you don't need a subscription through SWC to access it. Zotero allows you to keep track of all useful resources (whether that be a PDF you got through Interlibrary Loan, a video you found on YouTube, or a website you frequent) in your own personal database that you organize however you find most useful. It gives you the tools to have your knowledge needs right at your fingertips.

Zotero then has the capability to create in-text citations and works cited lists in any format (including APA) you need!

Whether you need resources for a class, to help you write a paper, as a way to keep track of inspiration for art, or as references for clients, Zotero has you covered!

  • Create in-text and works cited lists
  • Import PDFs, link, and more directly into your personal Zotero Library
  • Create groups to share PDFs and/or citations

  • Organize and search your own personal resource library   

    • Create folders and subfolders

    • Create your own tags for items

    • Search across your entire Zotero library

Zotero offers 300 MB of Free Storage

Creating an Account

To Register

  • Go to Zotero.org and click on 'Register' at the top right of the screen.
  • Create a username and password. Zotero will send you an email to confirm your account.

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Download the Desktop Application

The desktop application is what you will need to create citations and bibliographies. Zotero does have an online and a desktop component. The online component works like the cloud, syncing your library across computers and online

Once you've created an account you can download Zotero by clicking on 'Download Now.'

Download the Browser Connection

Download citations and materials from the internet with the browser connector (compatible with Firefox, Chrome, or Safari). You should be prompted to download the connector once you've created your Zotero account and can add it any time by going to the Zotero homepage.

Sync the Online and Desktop Components

In order to have your Zotero Online & Desktop sync (allowing you to see all your resources on different computers) you need to set up Sync. Depending on if you are on a Mac or PC the process will look different.

For a PC: Edit > Preferences > Sync

For a Mac: Zotero > Settings > Set up Syncing

Once in there put in your username and password and select "Link Account."

image of the zotero sync menu with an option to put in username and password

Additional Resources