Want to build better bibliographies? Get to know Zotero!

Whether you’re an experienced researcher or an undergraduate student, the Concordia Library recommends that you get to know Zotero, its new reference management tool.

Like RefWorks, the tool previously supported by the Library, Zotero helps users build bibliographies and share research. It simplifies the collection, organization and citation of references.

You can create your reference list using APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association) and many other styles. You can also organize your citations with both tags and collections.

What Zotero can do for you

These functionalities are similar to those offered by RefWorks. The biggest difference is that Zotero is easier to use. It allows you to save PDFs to your research list with a single click. It works with more databases, including Google Scholar. It comes with plugins for visualization, statistics integration, LaTeXTools and more.

And, it’s free — even if you leave Concordia.

You can use the downloadable Zotero application or as a web tool. By installing the “Browser Connector” button to your web browser, you can grab reference data from various online material.

When you opt to take a snapshot, you can use the image or website capture offline, something not possible with RefWorks.

Finally, there is an option for collaboration through Zotero. You can use it to share and develop papers with others, knowing that it works with Microsoft, Mac and Linux operating systems. It’s also compatible with Google Chrome, Firefox and Safari web browsers.

Migrating from RefWorks

Those used to RefWorks have nothing to fear. Yes, you will need to migrate to Zotero by May 2020 — but it will be worth it. It will take as much as 30 minutes to make the change, but you’ll gain your time back through a simpler tool with more functionality.

You’ll also be able to store material on any cloud platform as well as on your own hard drive — an option RefWorks doesn’t provide.

The Library will be looking to identify its heaviest RefWorks users to help them migrate to Zotero. For less frequent users and those keen to learn a new, easier way to build bibliographies, the Library is offering a series of workshops.

Visit the Concordia Library’s training page to learn how to download and use Zotero or go to the application’s information page.