Zotero: Getting Started

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Zotero [zoh-TARE-oh] is a free, easy-to-use, computer application that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share bibliographic sources. Zotero makes it easy to create proper citations and to share sources with friends and colleagues. If you would like to watch a video tutorial, or for more information, click the links below.

Navigate to the Zotero download page to download and install Zotero.  You will want to download the appropriate Zotero Connector for your browser as well (notice that your OS and current browser are automatically detected and highlighted). Installation will follow the typical pattern for your operating system.

Open Zotero by clicking the shortcut icon (Standalone) or by selecting the 'Z' from the menu bar in your browser. You may be prompted to create an account when opening Zotero the first time. Accounts are free, but you are not required to create one. Advantages of creating an account include the ability to sync your Zotero library across multiple computers and the ability to access your library online.

If you choose not to create an account, you may create one later by clicking Zotero Preferences from the drop-down menu, and then selecting the 'Sync' tab in the new window.