The OSCOLA referencing style is available within Zotero. On this page you will find instructions on how to install it and how to add and edit citations and bibliographies.

• Select OSCOLA style
• Save from Westlaw
• Save from Lexis
• Manual Entry
• OSCOLA in Word
• Edit a citation
• Create a bibliography

Instructions are also available for Harvard and APA referencing styles.

Select OSCOLA style

The word processor plugins are bundled with Zotero and should be installed as a Word ribbon automatically on your computer when you first start Zotero. Zotero has over 10,000 styles, including Leeds Beckett Harvard, APA and OSCOLA as well as the key journal styles in use. Styles are held in the Zotero Styles Repository.

1. In Word, on the Zotero ribbon, click Document Preferences:

2. Under the list of citation styles choose OSCOLA and click OK at the bottom of the box.

Save from Westlaw

1. On the item record in Westlaw click the Zotero Connector to capture the record:

2. Click download and follow the instructions on Westlaw:

Save from Lexis

1. Use the Web Connector to capture the item and then choose Download and make sure Portable Document File (PDF) is selected:

2. In Zotero you must change the item type to Case or Legislation:

3. Paste the Case Name from the database into the Case Name field:

4. Next paste the legal citation from the database into the Reporter Volume field:

5. For Legislation repeat the process above but choose Statutes and paste the title into the Name of Act field:

Pay close attention to ensure you paste the information correctly as Zotero relies on the accuracy of this information for correct citation in your work.

Manual Entry

Sometimes the legal databases don’t work very well with the Zotero Connector. You can add PDFs of journal articles or commentary to Zotero - see How do I add PDFs to my Zotero Library? for further guidance - and these typically contain the bibliographic data Zotero needs.

For Cases and Legislation, you may need to manually add item records in Zotero but this is very quick:

1. Click the + button, choose Case:

2. Click into the fields in the right-hand column and add the information. Paste the Case Name from the database into the Case Name field: 

3. Paste the legal citation from the database into the Reporter Volume field:

4. For Legislation choose Statutes and paste the title into the Name of Act field. You need to include date and chapters in the Name of Act field:

Pay close attention to ensure you paste the information correctly as Zotero relies on the accuracy of this information for correct citation in your work.

OSCOLA in Word

You can begin citing with Zotero by clicking the Add/Edit Citation button. Pressing the button brings up your Zotero Library:

You will see your entire library structure and additional options such as the ability to omit author, add page numbers add multiple sources. Select the source you want, choose any relevant options and click OK.

You will now see a superscript number in the place you chose, and the Footnote will be at the bottom of the page. Hover your mouse over any superscript to see a pop up of the full citation:

You can also double-click a superscript to jump to the footnote. Zotero will automatically add ibid to any repeat footnotes.

Edit a citation

Citations changed in Word will revert back to the Zotero version when your document refreshes so always make sure to return to Zotero and correct the bibliographic data in the relevant item field.

To edit a citation already inserted into Word from Zotero, e.g. to add page numbers or remove author name:

1. Select the citation in the text so it highlights grey, then click on Insert/Edit citation.
2. Click on the citation in the search pane to open the quick edit box and make your changes.

Create a bibliography

OSCOLA does not require you to make a bibliography but if you ever want a list of your citations there are instructions available.