Zotero
What It Is
Zotero is a free, open-source research tool that helps users collect, organize, and analyze research sources. It provides a platform for saving and organizing bibliographic information, such as articles, books, and websites, and allows users to easily add annotations, highlights, and notes to their sources. With its powerful organization and search capabilities, Zotero is a popular tool for researchers, students, and academics.
How to Access It
To access Zotero, you can download the software from the Zotero website (https://www.zotero.org/) and install it on your computer. Once installed, you can start collecting and organizing your research sources immediately. By creating an account, you can also access your Zotero library from any device with an internet connection, making it easy to access your research from anywhere. The Office of Digital Learning can assist you or students with getting Zotero set up on personal computers.
Teaching Ideas
Idea 1: Research organization
You can encourage your students to use Zotero to build a library of their research sources. Students can use the software to collect, categorize, and annotate sources for their assignments and projects, making it easier to find and access relevant information even years after it’s been added to their Zotero library.
Idea 2: Managing a bibliography
You can encourage your student to use Zotero to create their citations and bibliographies. This cuts down on the possibility of incorrect citations or credit. Zotero’s software also allows you to easily and quickly switch between citation styles, which is invaluable for publishing to journals that require various citation formats.
Idea 3: Collaborative research
Students and instructors can use Zotero to collaborate with the shared library feature. Researchers can share and collaborate on their research sources and annotations, making it easier to work together on projects and share insights. This can be particularly useful for group projects and collaborative research initiatives.
The ODL uses technology when possible to enhance our work. This page was written with the assistance of ChatGPT, OpenAI, Jan. 30, 2023 version.