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Hunter Library
Research Guides
Western Carolina University

Zotero

Zotero is free, easy to use software for collecting, organizing, and citing print and electronic resources for research.

The Process

  1. Download the Zotero application
    • There's a different version for each operating system - Windows, MacOS, or Linux.
  2. Download the web browser connector of your choice.
    • You will be prompted to install the connector of the browser you're using.

Step 1: Download the Zotero Application

Zotero download page for Windows

Download Zotero from the Zotero website, and follow prompts for installation on your computer.

 

Create a free account when prompted. Use any email address; this account is not tied to your WCU credentials.

Step 2: Download Browser Connectors

Zotero connector download page for Chrome

Download and install the browser connector. The webpage page will detect what browser you're using and prompt installation of the appropriate connector.

 

Each browser has its own version of the Zotero connector, so each browser (i.e., Firefox, Chrome, Safari) will require a unique connector download.

  

web browser Extension menu indicating the pin option for the Zotero Connector 

After downloading the connector, if the Zotero icon is not visible on the web browser menu, click on the Extensions icon, then on the Pin next to Zotero Connector to keep the connector visible on your web browser menu bar at all times. 

 

The Connector icon will change, depending on what kind of document is displayed on the page. It may look like a white document, blue or grey page, a blue book, or a yellow folder.

     Zotero white document icon  Zotero blue page icon  Zotero grey page icon  Zotero blue book icon  Zotero yellow folder icon