Citation Styles & Tools

The video below covers the basics of downloading and setting up Zotero on a personal computer as well as the basic and some advanced features of this useful tool. The video has chapters which can be easily navigated to watch only the portions most relevant to you.
 

What is Zotero? 

• Zotero [zoh-TAIR-oh] is a free, easy-to-use tool to help collect, organize, cite, and share research sources. Essentially, Zotero allows sources to be properly cited, while also creating a list of references once a paper is complete.

What are the benefits of Zotero?

• It’s free! It’s simple (after you get the hang of it).
• It’s multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux).
• It backs up your data, when you have an account.

How do you install it?

• Visit their web site, zotero.org, go to the Download page and download BOTH the software and the browser connector (Chrome and Firefox work best, but there is also one for Safari).
• Your browser and word processor (e.g., Microsoft Word) may need to be restarted for the appropriate connections to work.
• While on the Zotero web site, create a free account. This enables citations to have a backup, in case your computer crashes.
• See Zotero's Quick-Start Guide in their incredibly helpful Documentation area.

So, how do you use it?

• View this self-paced, Google Slides tutorial, created by Wake Forest Librarians to get started.
• Prefer videos? Select the help you need from this list of Zotero video tutorials created at Fielding Graduate University's Library.
• At any time, please contact the library with questions or to get a brief in-person tutorial. 

Limitations of Zotero

• Not 100% accurate - double-check the citations before submitting assignments! 
• Doesn’t teach students much about APA, MLA, or the other citations styles.

Troubleshooting

• Make sure Zotero is up-to-date and that your browser connector is loaded.
• Make sure Zotero is open when you are trying to cite materials in Word.
• Check out Zotero's excellent Documentation section for more troubleshooting.