Zotero
Zotero is a free Firefox browser extension to help you collect, manage, cite and share your bibliographic information. You can think of it as a personal digital library. It is an alternative to programmes such as Endnote.
Most people can pick up the basics of Zotero in just a few minutes as the iTunes-like interface is intuitive and familiar.
Firefox (needed to use Zotero) is now available on the University's cluster PCs. You will need to install Zotero yourself in the first instance, but after that it will be available to you throughout the campus network. You can also install it on your own computing devices and sync data between all of them so that your Zotero information is available both on and off campus.
How to use Zotero
If you're a confident technology user the quick start guide will get you up and running in under half an hour. For those who require more support, a detailed guide to Zotero is available on Study Direct.
Researchers, who need to manage a large number of references, may be interested in the more in-depth training sessions run by the Researcher Development team throughout the Spring and Summer terms. Dates will be listed on the Researcher Development pages.
Other resources
There is a wealth of information about Zotero online. Some of the best resources are:
The Zotero website includes useful plugins to extend functionality, and also lively user forums with the answers to many questions.
For those who want to fully grasp Zotero's potential, Jason Puckett's book, Zotero: A Guide for Librarians, Researchers and Educators, is excellent. It's also available in a much cheaper Kindle edition.
FAQ
How can I get hold of Zotero?
There are full details on how to download and install Zotero on Study Direct. If you are installing it on your own computer you will need either the Firefox, Chrome or Safari browser. To use Zotero on campus you will need to download the plugin the first time you use it. Zotero will then be available on any campus computer.
What does it cost?
Nothing. Zotero is completely free. You will incur a charge only if you exceed the 2Gb storage limit (which is quite hard to do). Zotero is a not-for-profit project, funded by the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
On what devices will it work?
Almost any. The Zotero plugin will work on any computer with Firefox installed. Additionally, the standalone version of Zotero will work with the Chrome and Safari browsers. You can view your Zotero library on any web-enabled device, including smartphones. For Android users, there's an app that allows you to add items to your library by scanning the barcode. There is not yet an equivalent for the iPhone.
Is my data safe?
As your data is synced with Zotero's server, it is safer than it would be if stored only on your computer. Zotero hasn't suffered any data loss to date, but we would recommend backing up your Zotero folder (and, indeed, all of your important data). More information is available in the Study Direct module.
Can I still use Endnote?
Endnote remains on all the cluster PCs and is widely used. The Researcher Development team decided to also offer training on Zotero for doctoral researchers as many researchers were already enquiring about it and were reporting that it was easy to use. ITS provide Endnote training in response to demand.
Do you offer Zotero training?
There is a Study Direct module which should get most people started using Zotero. The Researcher Development team will be running workshops fro doctoral researchers and academics (who are likely to be gathering more references and from more varied sources) throughout the Spring and Summer terms. Dates will be posted on the Researcher Development events pages.
Do I have to use Zotero?
No! Although we do strongly recommend that postgraduates use some form of bibliographic referencing tool and that undergraduates may want to use something for their dissertation. ITS offers training sessions on Endnote which are open to everyone and the Researcher Development team provide Zotero training for researchers and academics, but there are many other bibliographic tools available, including Mendeley and RefWorks.
Why isn't there a Study Direct site for Mendeley?
The support material for Zotero has been produced in response to enquiries and feedback from those already using it. Mendeley is a standalone installation, rather than a browser plugin, which makes it difficult to include on cluster machines and initial tests showed up problems with stability and incompatibility with other programs. The situation will be reviewed as the software improves. Of course, there is nothing to stop you using Mendeley on your own computer, and there are many tutorials available online.
Where can I get more support for Zotero?
If you have followed the Study Direct module and/or attended a workshop and still have questions, check the Zotero website, particularly the user forums. If your issue is not addressed there, please email Researcher Development. The team has limited resources to answer Zotero queries so please allow five working days to receive an answer to your query.