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What is Zotero?

Zotero (now Zotero 7.0) is a free downloadable citation manager that easily grabs information from the web. Zotero allows users to save, organize and share references. You can also insert properly formatted citations directly into documents using Zotero's Word add-in.

Basic Zotero Setup

To get started with Zotero, complete the following 5 steps:

  1. Register for a free Zotero account.
  2. Download Zotero 7.0 AND a Zotero browser connector. 
  3. Activate/pin your browser connector.
    • In Safari: 
      • Open Safari, after you have downloaded the Zotero app.
      • On the top menu, click Safari → Preferences.
      • In the Preferences dialog box, select Extensions.
      • Check the box next to Zotero to activate extension.
    • In Chrome: 
      • Open Chrome, after you have enabled the Zotero plugin for Chrome.
      • Click the puzzle piece icon near your address bar.
      • Click the pin next to Zotero to easily access the plugin in the Chrome menu bar.
  4. Set up Sync.
    • Important: Input your Zotero username and password (what you created on www.zotero.org).
  5. Ensure Word plugin, included automatically with Zotero download, is working optimally. It should have downloaded automatically. If you don't see the Zotero menu in Word, try quitting and restarting Word. If issues persist, review Zotero's troubleshooting guide.

Capturing Online Data

Firefox, Safari, Edge, or Chrome users can easily capture online references and import them into Zotero by clicking Zotero’s browser icon, located near the address bar. If Zotero recognizes the “type” of item displayed on the screen, an item specific icon appears. For example, a folder icon represents a bibliographic list, a book icon represents information about a specific book, a document icon represents a specific article and a webcam icon represents a video.

Browser Connector in Safari and Chrome

Connecting Zotero to W&L’s Holdings

To take advantage of Zotero’s Library Lookup function, you must add an openURL resolving link to your Zotero 7.0 client. Follow the below procedure:

  • Open the Zotero app (what lives on your computer).
  • Select Edit on the top horizontal menu, then choose Settings.
  • In the resulting pop up box, select General. 
  • Scroll down to the subheading Locate.
  • Copy and paste the following address into the Base URL field: https://wlu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/openurl?institution=01WLU_INST&vid=01WLU_INST:01WLU&
  • Simply close out of the Preferences window.

Downloading Additional Citation Styles

The Zotero client comes with several popular citation styles pre-installed, such as APA, Chicago and MLA.

If you need to use a style that does not come pre-loaded in Zotero, just…

  • Navitage to www.zotero.org/styles on the computer on which Zotero is installed.
  • Search for your desired style.
  • Select the style you want.

Troubleshooting Zotero

Having a problem setting up or using Zotero? Review Zotero's Getting Help page and/or review the Zotero Forum.

Still need help? Email library@wlu.edu, jump on the library's chat service, or submit an asynchronous ticket if the service is not currently staffed.