Zotero is an online tool and application that can help you to manage your references. Zotero can:
It is recommended for all students and staff carrying out research to use a reference management tool to store and organise your sources. We recommend Zotero for level 6 and 7 students because it is free, easy to use and has all the features needed for a small research project. Both the online version and the downloadable desktop app are free to use.
The Library can support you with you use of Zotero online and with the Windows application. We are less experienced with the iOS and mobile versions.
Birmingham Newman University does not have a commercial relationship with the Zotero, and Zotero is not the only free reference management tool available. You are free to choose any of the others if you find that they suit you better; however, the Librarians may not be able to support you with other tools and applications to the same level.
* Zotero supports Cite them right 12th edition - Harvard (no 'et al.') referencing, which is equivalent to Newman Harvard for all purposes. You will not be penalised for any small differences between this style and Newman Harvard style.
This page offers guidance on how to create an Zotero account, how to access and how to use your web library.
To create an account:
As Zotero is not linked to Birmingham Newman University, you should set a memorable password that is distinct from any of your Birmingham Newman IT account. If you forget your password, you can use the Zotero website to be sent an email link to change it.
You do not need to download anything to access the Web version of Zotero. Simply sign in here and click 'Web library'.
You can also install the Zotero web connector for your browser. The Zotero Connector allows you to save references to your Web or App library directly from your web browser. Follow this link and click the blue 'install' button.
Please note that Apple devices using the Safari browser may need to access browser settings to enable the Zotero Connector after installing.
The first time you use the connector to save to your Web library, an error message will pop up. Click 'enable saving to online library' in the bottom left, and then click 'accept defaults' in the 'New Private Key' pop up. The Browser Connector and Web library are now linked.
You only need to download the Zotero desktop app if you wish to use the Word add-on 'Cite while you Write'
You can download the Zotero desktop app from their website. Follow this link and click the red 'download' button.
You can also install the Zotero web connector for your browser. The Zotero Connector allows you to save references to your Web or App library directly from your web browser. Follow this link and click the blue 'install' button.
Please note that Apple devices using the Safari browser may need to access browser settings to enable the Zotero Connector after installing.
The following videos demonstrate how to use Zotero. We have demonstrated using the Web version of the Zotero library, which has a very similar functionality to the downloaded app. We detail how to download the App library in the 'Using Zotero Word add-on' video.
ZoteroBib is a free, instant, online reference creation website.
It's quick, easy to use and doesn't require you to create an account. Use ZoteroBib to create small bibliographies. We recommend using ZoteroBib for in-class presentations and short assignments.
We recommend using the full Zotero package for long-form research, such as a dissertation project. Zotero allows users to build up research sources over time and stores them in your account. Zotero also has additional features that will benefit level 6 students, such as in-app PDF annotation and a 'Cite While You Write' integration with Microsoft Word.
For guidance on how to use ZoteroBib, watch our training video:
| ZoteroBib | Zotero Web Library | |
|---|---|---|
| Academic level | 2nd year undergraduate | Final year undergraduate and postgraduate |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Account needed? | No | Yes |
| Storage | Limited | 300 MB |
| Capability | Create a one-off bibliography |
|
Last reviewed: 23 August 2024
