• Zotero for Citation Management

  • Back
 by 
Research Support

Zotero User Manual

A practical guide to using Zotero to collect, organize, manage, cite, and create bibliographies for your academic research.

1

What is Zotero?

Zotero is a free and open-source reference management tool that helps you collect, organize, cite, and share research sources. It can save bibliographic information from library catalogs, academic databases, websites, and other online resources.

Collect

Save books, journal articles, webpages, reports, and other research materials.

Organize

Create collections, add tags, attach PDFs, and keep your research library organized.

Cite

Insert citations and automatically generate bibliographies while writing your assignments, theses, and research papers.

2

Install Zotero

Download and install the Zotero desktop application from the official Zotero website. Zotero is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Download Zotero Zotero Support
3

Create a Zotero Account

A Zotero account allows you to synchronize your library across devices and access your research library online.

  • Go to the Zotero website and create an account.
  • Sign in to your Zotero account from the Zotero desktop application.
  • Open Zotero Preferences or Settings and select Sync.
  • Enter your Zotero account details and enable synchronization.
  • Choose the synchronization options that suit your research needs.
Important: Synchronization is different from creating a backup. Keep regular backups of important research files and documents.
4

Install the Zotero Connector

The Zotero Connector is a browser extension that allows you to save references directly from websites, library catalogs, databases, and scholarly search services into your Zotero library.

Install Zotero Connector
Library research tip: When you find an article or book through a library database or OneSearch@USJ, look for the Zotero Connector icon in your browser and use it to save the bibliographic information.
5

Collect References

1

Find a Source

Search OneSearch@USJ, library databases, Google Scholar, journal websites, or other reliable academic resources.

2

Save the Reference

Click the Zotero Connector icon in your browser to save the bibliographic information to your Zotero library.

3

Check the Record

Review the author, title, publication, date, volume, issue, pages, DOI, and other bibliographic information.

4

Attach the PDF

Where permitted, attach the full-text PDF or other research files to the Zotero item.

6

Organize Your Research

Good organization makes it easier to find sources when writing an assignment, dissertation, or research paper.

  • Create collections for different courses, projects, or research topics.
  • Use subcollections when a project contains several research areas.
  • Add tags to identify themes, subjects, or research status.
  • Add notes to record useful observations about a source.
  • Use saved searches to locate references matching specific criteria.
  • Review and correct bibliographic information before citing a source.
7

Work with PDFs

Zotero can help you manage PDF files associated with your references. You can attach files to items, read documents, highlight passages, and add notes.

Copyright reminder: Only download, store, and share full-text materials in accordance with copyright law, database licence terms, and the policies of the University of Saint Joseph Library.
8

Cite While You Write

Zotero integrates with popular word processors so that you can insert citations and generate bibliographies while writing.

Write Start your assignment or research paper.
Insert Add citations from your Zotero library.
Choose Style Select the required citation style.
Bibliography Generate the reference list automatically.
Word Processor Integration
9

Choose a Citation Style

Your lecturer, programme, department, or thesis guidelines may specify a particular citation style. Always check the requirements for your assignment before selecting a style in Zotero.

  • Check your course or programme requirements.
  • Check the USJ thesis or academic writing guidelines when applicable.
  • Select the required style in Zotero.
  • Review citations and bibliography entries after inserting them.
  • Do not assume that automatically generated references are error-free.
More Citation Style in Zotero Repository USJ Citation Requirment
10

Before You Submit Your Assignment

  • Check that every in-text citation corresponds to the correct source.
  • Check author names, publication dates, titles, and other bibliographic details.
  • Confirm that the selected citation style matches your assignment requirements.
  • Check the formatting of the bibliography.
  • Open important sources and verify information against the original publication.
Remember: Reference management software helps automate citation formatting, but you are responsible for checking the accuracy and completeness of your references.

11

Zotero with Different Word Processors

Zotero can be used with several popular word-processing platforms. Select the option below that matches the software you use for your academic work.

W

Microsoft Word

Desktop Version

Zotero integrates with Microsoft Word through the Zotero Word Processor Plugin. After installation, Zotero tools will appear in Microsoft Word, allowing you to insert citations and generate bibliographies.

  • Install Zotero on your computer.
  • Open Microsoft Word after installing Zotero.
  • Look for the Zotero tools in Word.
  • Use Add/Edit Citation to insert references.
  • Use Add/Edit Bibliography to create your reference list.
Word Integration Guide
365

Microsoft Word 365

University Account

If you are using Microsoft Word 365 provided through USJ, Zotero can be used with Word 365 for inserting citations and generating bibliographies.

Installation problem?

If you experience problems installing Zotero or integrating Zotero with Word 365, please contact USJ IT Support.

IT Support · Itsupport@usj.edu.mo
Word 365 Integration Guide
L

LibreOffice

Desktop Version

Zotero supports LibreOffice Writer through its word processor integration. You can insert citations and automatically create bibliographies while writing.

  • Install Zotero and LibreOffice.
  • Open LibreOffice Writer.
  • Use the Zotero toolbar to insert citations.
  • Select your required citation style.
  • Generate your bibliography from your Zotero library.
LibreOffice Guide
G

Google Docs

Use with your USJ Account

Zotero can be used with Google Docs through the Zotero Connector. When working on academic documents in Google Docs, make sure you are signed in with your USJ Google account.

USJ Account Reminder

Sign in to Google using your USJ university account before working on your academic document. Your Zotero library should also be synchronized with your Zotero account.

  • Sign in to your USJ Google account.
  • Install the Zotero Connector in your browser.
  • Open your Google Docs document.
  • Use the Zotero menu in Google Docs to insert citations.
  • Generate or update your bibliography when required.
Google Docs Guide
WPS

WPS Office

Alternative Word Processor

WPS Office can be used for academic writing, but Zotero’s official word-processor integration is primarily designed for supported applications such as Microsoft Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs.

Important:

If you use WPS Office, check the current Zotero and WPS compatibility before starting a major assignment or thesis. For important academic documents, consider using one of the officially supported word processors.

Check Zotero Support

Quick Guide

PlatformZotero IntegrationUSJ Reminder
Microsoft WordZotero Word PluginInstall Zotero and use the Zotero tools in Word.
Word 365Zotero Word Plugin For installation problems on USJ computers, contact IT Support .
LibreOfficeZotero IntegrationUse Zotero tools in LibreOffice Writer.
Google DocsZotero ConnectorSign in with your USJ Google account and sync your Zotero library.
WPS OfficeCompatibility may varyCheck current Zotero compatibility before using it for major work.
12

Quick Links

USJ Thesis Requirment Download Zotero Zotero Connector Zotero Documentation

Need Help?

If you need assistance with finding academic sources, managing references, or using Zotero for your research, please contact the USJ Library.