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Zotero: Additional Information

Zotero Online

Your Zotero desktop library is also accessible online via the Zotero.org website. You will also find a variety of other services in addition to your library, such as Groups, Documentation and Forums.  The web version looks similar to the app version.

Zotero Tutorials

Sync Your Zotero Library

Syncing your Zotero library can be useful if you use Zotero on multiple devices. Changes to the library on one device will be reflect on all other devices. 

To sync Zotero, open the app and look for the green arrow on the right side.  Click the arrow to sync your Zotero Library.  

zotero sync

To Sync Automatically:

  1. Open the Zotero app.

  2. Go to Edit -- Preferences --  and select the 'Sync' tab.

  3. Check the 'Sync Automatically' box and click 'OK'. Zotero will upload the library to the server.

  4. Repeat this configuration on each device that you use Zotero. Any updates made on one computer will be reflect in other computers.

Zotero Groups

With Zotero groups you can:

  • Share your own work or sources you have discovered with others who are working in related areas.
  • Collaborate with colleagues, publicly or privately, on ongoing research.
  • Discover other people with similar interests and the sources they are citing.

To make a Group in Zotero: 

  • Zotero app: Click on New Library icon, click on dropdown and select New Group.   

zotero groups

  • Online: go to Zotero.org, sign in and click on profile: Groups > Create a New Group

Group Types

Public, Open Membership:  Anyone can view your group online and join the group instantly.

Public, Closed Membership:  Anyone can view your group online, but members must apply or be invited.

Private membership:  Only members can view your group online and must be invited to join.

Zotero Preferences

Many of Zotero's features can be customized via the Zotero preferences window.

In the app, open the preferences by clicking “Edit → Preferences” (Windows) or “Zotero → Preferences” (Mac). 

General:  

  • File Handling
  • Miscellaneous- how items are tagged
  • PDF Reader
  • Groups

Sync:  

  • Data Syncing - sync automatically
  • File Syncing

Search: :

  • Search your PDFs

Export: 

  • Quick Copy: select the default referencing style that you want your citations to appear in when you Export your library or a single reference.

Cite: 

  • Select the default style for your citations and bibliography. 

Advanced:  Four Sub-Menus (you do not have to use or change these to use Zotero)

  • General:  Set up link resolver-NOT available through the SU library
  • Files and Folders:   set up the 'path' which tells Zotero where you want to save. Leave on default if it doesn't matter.
  • Shortcuts: Change Zotero's default keyboard shortcuts.
  • Feeds:  Keep updated with published research on Zotero