Section outline

  • Goals

    • Understanding what Zotero can be used for
    • Installing Zotero
    • Checking if Zotero works on the computer I’m using
    • Finding information in case of issues
    • Callisto. [Vidéo]. Canal-U. 1 - Introducing and Installing Zotero
    • In a nutshell
      • Zotero is a References Manager, but as you’ll see, it will gradually become (at least in part) your digital library;
      • It is free and open-source software, so it has a large user community, and anyone with programming skills can contribute to its development;
      • It is cross-platform (macOS, Windows, Linux). You can use it the same way regardless of your computer, and you can retrieve your data if you switch operating systems (with the ability to change over time);
      • You can start using Zotero today and switch to another References Manager tomorrow, depending on your research institution’s requirements (thanks to “pivot” import/export formats like BibTeX or RIS).

    • Install Zotero

      Screenshot of the Zotero 8 download page for the desktop version and browser extension.

      • Installation is a two-step process. First, install the software, then the connector.
      • The download page detects your operating system. Whether you use Windows, Mac, or Linux, you will be offered the appropriate software. Zotero works with Firefox, Chrome, and Edge (you may encounter problems with Safari). There is now also a “mobile” version of Zotero.
      • As with most software, the most recent version will be installed. Your operating system should support it, and the connector requires a recent/up-to-date version of your browser. Check the system requirements.
      • Installation problems are very seldom encountered. If this should be the case, consult the forum, a friend, or, if necessary, contact your URFIST .
      • You can create an online account on Zotero (not mandatory, but useful for later). You can, of course, open this account, but this step will not be necessary in this session.

    • Opening Zotero

      On your computer

      Once installed, open Zotero by clicking on the software icon. Zotero 7 software icon.

      Since you have not yet collected any references, the interface will be relatively "empty". You will explore the interface in detail in Chapter 2.

      In the browser

      Another important thing to check once the software and the browser connector are installed is the presence of a small Zotero icon in the top right corner of your browser.

      Below is the Zotero Z icon as it appears when launching Firefox:

      Zotero Z icon in the Firefox browser on launch.

      Depending on the browser, the icon may look different and you may not see a "Z" but rather a folder icon corresponding to the type of page or document displayed: Zotero folder icon in the browser.