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Using Zotero

Zotero is a free citation management tool.You can use Zotero to collect, manage and cite your research resources. You can also create collections/libraries for specific research projects, share data with collaborators, and generate bibliographies.

News & Updates

As of July 2017, Zotero has updated to version 5.0! Those who use the Firefox-based version will lose support this fall. Those who use the standalone version (which will now become the ONLY version) only need to update your platform. To do this go to Help -> Check for Updates.

For those Firefox-based version users who need to download the standalone, go here: https://www.zotero.org/download/  and then download the Firefox connector.  If you choose to wait, your version will be automatically updated in the next few months. 

For more information on the changes, email reference@fitchburgstate.edu, or check out the links below.

https://www.zotero.org/blog/zotero-5-0/

https://www.zotero.org/blog/a-unified-zotero-experience/

How to Install Zotero

Installation Instructions

Make sure you install Zotero 5.0, the most recent version of Zotero.

If you are using a particular browser, such as Firefox, download the Connector for that browser.  If you typically use a different browser such as Chrome or Safari, click on the Zotero Connectors for Other Browsers.

*Be sure to also install a Zotero Connector for your browser.  Once it is downloaded, it will show up in your browser (see picture below).

How do I install Zotero? 

1.  Go to  Zotero download page.

2.  Select Zotero Firefox

 

3.  Allow Zotero to install.  See instructions below.

Mac

Open the .dmg you downloaded and drag Zotero to the Applications folder. You can then run Zotero from Spotlight, Launchpad, or the Applications folder and add it to your Dock like any other program.

Windows

Run the setup program you downloaded.

Linux

Linux users may wish to use a package for their distro rather than using the tarball directly. If you download the tarball, unzip it and run 'zotero' from that directory to start Zotero. Alternatively, on Ubuntu-based distros, move the directory to a location of your choice, run the bundled set_launcher_icon script to update the included “Zotero” desktop file with the full path to the bundled Zotero icon, and then double-click “Zotero” directly or symlink zotero.desktop to ~/.local/share/applications/ to add it to your launcher.

4. Click on the Zotero icon in Firefox to launch the tool:

Zotero appears at the bottom of your browser window.

5.  Register for a Zotero Account.

How do I upgrade to a new version?

Zotero should be updated automatically by default, or you can go to the Help menu and select “Check for Updates…” to check manually. You can also always manually install a new version of Zotero over your existing version without losing any data.

If you're currently running Zotero 4.0 for Firefox and wish to upgrade to Zotero 5.0, you'll need to install Zotero 5.0 from the download page along with the new Zotero Connector for Firefox. See A Unified Zotero Experience for more information.