This guide provides a brief introduction to the features and functions of Zotero.

Zotero is a free* reference manager developed at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University. It works on PCs and Macs, and can sync your data with Zotero's servers and other computers. Your data is also available once you log in to the Zotero web site. To sign up for a Zotero account and download the software, click on the Zotero link below.

* If you want to store a large number of documents on Zotero's servers, there is a subscription fee.

There are two main ways you can use Zotero:

Zotero from Your Browser - If you use Firefox, Safari, or Chrome, install the Zotero Connector. The connector detects cues on web pages including library catalog pages, database pages, and the open web, providing an easy way to add citations and materials to your collection. It stores your information on Zotero's servers, and on your local machine when you sync with Zotero Standalone. This is a great way to use Zotero on public computers as well as your own personal computer.

Zotero Standalone - If you would like to keep a database of all your materials stored separately on your own computer and take advantage of additional functionality such as note taking, this is a helpful addition. Zotero Standalone runs on PCs and Macs, and syncs with Zotero's servers.

Zotero is a reference manager with some bonus features. It is a "freemium" product, meaning you get a certain amount of storage for free, but once you hit the limit, you will need to pay for additional storage.