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Zotero

This guide curates information and tutorials on using Zotero to manage your sources and includes information on using Zotero with University of Alabama Libraries tools.

Making an Account

Create a free account on Zotero.org. Creating an account will allow you to access your library from multiple devices and create shared libraries for collaborative projects.

Data Storage vs. File Storage

Your free account comes with unlimited data storage--meaning your item metadata, notes, links, tags, etc--everything except your attached PDF and other files. See below for some options for PDF file storage with Zotero.

Connect to Full Text Finder

1. Go to Zotero > Edit > Settings > General > Locate.

2. Click on the dropdown menu under 'Resolver'. It is preset to 'Custom'. Please click to change this and select University of Alabama from the list. 

File Storage Options

Store attachment files locally on your hard drive

Pros:

  • Easiest option – simply leave default settings.
  • Access all your PDFs through Zotero.
  • Zotero manages files automatically.

Cons:

  • Large libraries can take up a lot of space on your hard drive.
  • Limited cloud storage through Zotero servers without paid upgrade.

Zotero cloud storage and syncing

Pros:

  • Easy setup and management.
  • Access files from multiple computers and mobile apps.
  • Zotero data and PDF files are backed up automatically.

Cons:

  • Subscription fee for file storage over 300MB.

Store Zotero data on an external drive

Pros:

  • Save space on your hard drive.
  • Access your library on multiple machines.

Cons:

  • Requires some advanced setup.
  • If you have existing data, you need to move it manually to the new location.
  • No access to PDFs on mobile.

Store PDF files as linked attachments in Box, Dropbox, or Google Drive

Pros:

  • Save space on your hard drive.
  • Access PDF files through the cloud.

Cons:

  • Requires third party plug-in (zotmoov, attanger, etc.) and advanced setup.