Business & Economics Research Guide

Download and install Zotero from the Zotero website. There's a different version for each operating system: Windows, Mac or Linux. We recommend closing out all of your Microsoft Office programs while doing an install, that way Zotero can add a plug-in for Word that will allow you to do citations and a reference list while you write.

If the plugin for Word didn't get installed with Zotero you can add the plugin by doing the following:

1. Close all Microsoft Office programs
2. On a PC go to Settings by clicking "Edit" then "Settings." On a Mac go to Preferences by clicking the bold Zotero then "Preferences."
3. Go to the "Cite" tab and look for the word processor installation button.

Connectors allow your web browser to save citations to your Zotero library through browser extensions. Install the appropriate  Zotero Connector for your browser.

Each browser has its own version of the Zotero connector, so if you use Firefox, Chrome, Edge, or Safari you'll need to install a connector for each browser you use. Different browsers handle extensions differently, so if you think you've installed the Zotero connector but don't see it, check in your settings or look for the icon that appears as a puzzle piece.

Synching your Zotero is highly recommended! It will help back up your library and will allow you to use the same Zotero library across multiple computers and use group libraries with other Zotero users. Zotero can store your library and annotations on the cloud and use that to update other devices.

First, set up a (free, of course) Zotero.org user account. Then:

• Open Zotero preferences (in the Zotero app click Edit then Settings on a PC or for Mac click the bold Zotero then Preferences) and select the Sync tab. 
• Enter your Zotero user name and password. 
• Check the "sync automatically" box.
• Check both boxes under File Syncing and choose Zotero storage for My Library. This will sync your PDF attachments as well as citations (more info).
• Click the circular arrow button at the top right corner of the Zotero application window.
• Zotero will upload your library to the server.

Repeat this configuration on each of your devices. Any updates you make on one of your computers will be reflected on the others.

For more details and help troubleshooting sync problems, check the Zotero site.