How do I access and install Zotero?

Zotero is an open source Referencing and Citation Manager (RCM) that allows you to manage, read, share, annotate and cite your research papers. It has online, desktop and mobile app versions.

Before accessing / installing Zotero using the instructions below, please read the product guidance. It would also be useful for you to watch this video which covers Zotero set up and features.

You can back up your data to the Zotero server, or to the cloud e.g. OneDrive. There's no limit to the amount of bibliographic data you can store, but for PDFs and other files, Zotero provides 300Mb of free storage. You can buy additional storage but for most students this will not be necessary.

Installing Zotero

To get access to all of the features of Zotero you'll need to install three things:

If you're moving to Zotero from another tool e.g. Endnote or Mendeley, you will also need to migrate your references into Zotero.

Access / Install the main Zotero program

Students (LBU PC)

Zotero is already installed on LBU PCs. Find it in the Windows menu and login, or register for an account.

Students (personal device)

Select Login on the Zotero website to register for a free account (or use an account you've previously registered).

Staff (LBU PC)

Open the Software Center on any staff device by typing 'Software Center' into the Windows search bar at the bottom of the Windows desktop, then double click Zotero to install it. If you need help with the Software Center, contact Digital Services.

Staff (LBU Apple Mac)

If you have an Apple Mac supplied by LBU, please install Zotero using Jamf Self-Service (the equivalent of Software Center). Open the .dmg you downloaded and drag Zotero to the Applications folder. You can run Zotero from Spotlight, Launchpad, or the Applications folder and add it to your Dock like any other program. After installing Zotero, you can eject and delete the .dmg file. For more Zotero on Mac support, please contact Digital Services.

Staff (personal device)

Select Login on the Zotero website to register for a free account (or use an account you've previously registered).

Install the browser plug-in

  • We recommend using Edge with Zotero on a PC, and Safari with Zotero on a Mac.
  • If using Chrome as your browser, you will need to log into Chrome using a non-University Google account.
  • The Zotero Connector for Chrome is bundled with Zotero. You can pin this to your browser from the Extensions button.
  • The Zotero Connector for Safari is bundled with Zotero. You can enable the Zotero Connector from the Extensions pane of the Safari settings (Safari menu > Settings > Extensions).
  • Connectors can also be accessed from Zotero's website.
  • To use the connector once installed, please see our written guides, and video guides.

Install / activate the document editor plug-in

  • The Zotero word processor plugin is bundled with Zotero. You'll see the Zotero tab in your word processor. If it's not available, select the appropriate word processor plugin (Microsoft Word for Windows or Mac, or LibreOffice).
  • Open Zotero Desktop, click Edit > Settings click the Sync menu and enter your Zotero login credentials to link and activate your account.
  • Your desktop library will be synced with your online library, so any items you add to your desktop library will be added to your online library.
  • Our guides cover the main features of the Word plugin.

Migrate your References to Zotero

Guidance for migrating your references from Endnote or Mendeley is available from the Zotero website. Migration does not delete references in the program you're migrating from, so you can try Zotero without risk

Help videos

You may also find the following short videos useful (MyBeckett login required):

 

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