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CHEM 406 - Interface of Chemistry & Biology

Library Resources and strategies for Interface of Chemistry & Biology

Zotero: getting started

Zotero is the best tool for capturing web pages, videos and blog sites. They have a great 3-minute introduction hereIt works best with Firefox, but is compatible with any browser. 

Zotero lets you easily import citations right from your browser.  It allows you to cite these sources in Microsoft Word and other word processing programs. 

Here's a quick peek from the librarians at Wake Forest showing just how easy it is to use:

Getting Started With Zotero, from Idaho State University Libraries:

Getting and installing Zotero

We recommend that you also download and install the Microsoft Word citation plugin (or the OpenOffice plugin if you're using OpenOffice). If you'd like to use Zotero with Google Docs, the Chrome Connector will add a Zotero menu item in the top bar. These allow you to easily cite items from your Zotero library in your papers.

1. Zotero Standalone (Firefox, Chrome and Safari)

Zotero Standalone (unlike Zotero for Firefox) runs as a separate program instead of part of your web browser.  It works with Firefox, Chrome and Safari.

Download and install Zotero Standalone just as you would any other program. You will also need to install the Connectors to allow your browser to save items to your Zotero library.  You can install both Zotero Standalone and Zotero for Firefox and use both on the same computer.

You'll probably also want to download and install the Microsoft Word citation plugin (or the OpenOffice plugin if you're using OpenOffice). These allow you to easily cite items from your Zotero library in your papers.

2. Zotero Bookmarklet (extension for other browsers and mobile devices)
If you're using Internet Explorer or a mobile browser, you can still save items to your Zotero library. A free Zotero account is required.  The Zotero Bookmarklet works with all desktop browsers and most mobile browsers (including Safari for iPad and the Android browser).  

Visit the Zotero Bookmarklet page for installation instructions for your particular browser or device. 

 

On a Tablet:

If you’re using a mobile device or a desktop browser without a Zotero Connector, you can use the Zotero Bookmarklet to save items to your Zotero library.

https://www.zotero.org/downloadbookmarklet

 

Learn Zotero - from a UR student!

In Spring 2020, River Campus Libraries' CEILAM (Career Exploration In Libraries and Mentoring)  intern,  Kylah Rendell, created two videos to help UR students learn Zotero.  For more about our CEILAM program email us here.

 

Video tutorials

You can create groups for other Zotero users to share citations. Once you have an account, you can go to https://www.zotero.org/groups and create a new group, public or private.