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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.

Zotero + EndNote

It's easy to use EndNote and Zotero together and take advantage of the best features of each, or to share Zotero libraries with colleagues using EndNote or vice versa. Both programs can read and write a standard citation file format called RIS, which means references can be converted back and forth with a few clicks. PDFs and other attachments do not export between programs, however; only citation informationZotero file menu

Zotero to EndNote 

To save your Zotero library for importing into EndNote, in Zotero, click File > Export Library. Choose RIS as the file type and pick a filename.

In EndNote, click File > Import. Click the Choose File button and select the file you just exported from Zotero. Set Import Option to Reference Manager (RIS) and click Import.

EndNote to Zotero 

To export your EndNote library for use in Zotero, click File > Export. Set the output style to RefMan (RIS) Export and save it as a text file.

In Zotero, click File > Import. Double-click the file you exported from EndNote. The new references will be added to a collection named "Imported" followed by the date and time.

Zotero Groups

Zotero's Groups feature allows you to share references with other Zotero users. It's a great way to work collaboratively.

First, set up Zotero sync and synchronize your library.

  • To create a shared library, login to Zotero online - you cannot create groups in the application.
  • To join an existing Zotero library, search for it at zotero.org/groups or be invited by the group’s owner.
  • Create a new group, set group parameters, and invite collaborators.

Your Zotero application will now have two sections - My Library and Group Libraries. Personal and group libraries are entirely separate, and changes made to items in one library do not affect the other. You can drag items back and forth libraries to copy items.

     My Library and Group Libraries headings in Zotero