Zotero is a free, open-source citation management and research tool. Researchers and scholars from a variety of different fields use Zotero to save citation information and documents, organize information by creating custom tags and groups, and interact seamlessly with online content.

Zotero exists as both a web-based platform and desktop software. For best results, it is recommended that you sync these systems to maximize your work flow.

Step 1: Go to the Zotero website

Step 2: Click on the Download button

• This will bring you to the download page. It will detect the type of operating system you are using. To proceed, click on the Download button and follow the directions for your operating system.

Step 3: Install Zotero Connector

Zotero has web extensions for Firefox and Chrome that allow you save a citation from a web page with a single click. It will automatically detect the browser you are using.

• The Zotero download page will have a button to Install the Zotero Connector. Simply click on it and follow your browsers directions.

Step 1: Create an Account with Zotero

Zotero exists as both a web-based platform and desktop software. For best results, it is recommended that you create an account with Zotero. This will allow you to sync Zotero on their web platform as well as any computer you access Zotero on.

• Click on the Register link in the upper right corner.
• Complete the username (may include letters, numbers, and spaces), Email (does not have to be your WVU e-mail), Password (at least 6 characters), and Captcha fields to create a free Zotero account.

Step 2: Sync Your Account

• Launch Zotero on your computer.
• Click on the menu item Edit select Preferences then Sync.
• Under Data Syncing, use the Link Account button to enter your Zotero username and password.

Step 3: Set Your Preferences

• Click on the menu item Edit select Preferences then Sync.
• Click on the Cite icon along the top.
• Under the Styles tab select your preferred citation style in the Style Manager box. If you don’t see the one(s) you want, click on the Get additional styles link. Find the style needed and click on it.
• Choose the Word Processors tab. Install the Microsoft Word Add-in or the LibreOffice Add-in.