Zotero

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  1. Zotero Word Plugin
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If you already have a substantial collection of pdf files stored on your computer it is easy to save them in Zotero. In addition Zotero is able to search Google Scholar for metadata that can be used to create bibliographic citations for you pdf files.

Zotero is a free reference management tool that offers both a downloadable software for Windows, Mac, and Linux and a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Zotero (free) Sort research into collections and create keywords as tags. Save and annotate snapshots of web pages within citation library. In Zotero, go to your Preferences menu (on Mac, Zotero Preferences; on PC, Edit Preferences). Click Word Processors. Click Install Microsoft Word Add-In (or Install LibreOffice Add-in). Where is the Zotero menu in Word? On a Mac, in MS Word 2016, the Zotero menu will appear in the toolbar. Zotero zoh-TAIR-oh is a free, easy-to-use citation management tool to help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources. Its features help users: Collect citation information from article databases, catalogs and websites. Generate bibliographies and in-text citations. Store and organize PDFs, documents, links, and notes.

ZoteroBib helps you build a bibliography instantly from any computer or device, without creating an account or installing any software. It’s brought to you by the team behind Zotero, the powerful open-source research tool recommended by thousands of universities worldwide, so you can trust it to help you seamlessly add sources and produce.

Step by step instructions

  • Locate and select the pdf files you would like to import to Zotero:
  • Drag these files into your Zotero library:
  • You should now see your pdf files in your Zotero library:
  • To search Google Scholar for the metadata that Zotero can use to create bibliographic citations out of these pdf files, select all of the pdf files in your Zotero library, right click on these files, and then select Retrieve Metadata for PDFs

  • In the example here Zotero was able to locate bibliogrpahic information for 2 of the 6 pdf files. Older pdf files or pdf files you have created by scanning documents will not have the metadata necessary for Zotero to locate bibliographic citations in Google Scholar.
  • Unfortunately there are still four pdf files that need to have references created for them:
  • While you are creating a reference for one of the pdf files that Zotero could not locate any metadata for you amy want to look at the actual file. To do this simply click on the View File button in Zotero
  • You will now see the pdf file directly above your Zotero library displayed in Firefox:
  • Now go to the create new reference button and select the appropriate reference type for the pdf file. In this example the reference type Journal Article has been selected:
  • Next enter the bibliographic information for the pdf file into Zotero:
  • Now drag the pdf file over the bibliographic citation you have just created:
  • The pdf file is now included under the new citation that has just been created for it:
Zotero.org

You cannot go wrong choosing any of the tools, but it helps if you take a few things into consideration before starting. Remember that you can switch between the tools, it just becomes less convenient the longer you use a tool and the more file attachments you collect.

Some reasons to choose Zotero:

  • It gathers citation records for non-PDF and PDF content. Zotero's single-click capture works with many databases and websites, and works well with many catalogs, including WU Classic, MOBIUS, and WorldCat (FirstSearch interface)
  • You can also enable the retrieval of PDF metadata, which allows you to create citation records just from dragging a PDF into Zotero.
  • Zotero is open source and cannot be acquired by a company.
  • *Pricing structure: Zotero follows the 'freemium' model: 300 MG for the free version with additional storage available for purchase
  • For continuously updated Zotero information, downloading, and excellent help pages, and forums, check their website: https://www.zotero.org/support/.
  • WUSTL Libraries has a helpful Zotero guide. In addition, the Libraries have more support available for the Zotero program. To make an appointment for help, see Zotero Help appointment button on your left.

Some reasons to choose Mendeley:

Zotero Word Plugin

  • Your research content is primarily contained in PDF files: Mendeley has an integrated PDF viewer and can create citation records just from importing a PDF file. Mendeley.org has the strongest website and community platform.
  • Mendeley’s PDF viewer has excellent, easy-to-use, built-in capability. You may also edit with another Mendeley user simultaneously.
  • Mendeley is owned by the for-profit publishing company Elsevier.
  • *Pricing structure: Mendeley follows the 'freemium' model: 2 GB for the free version with additional storage available for purchase
  • For continuously updated Mendeley information and excellent help pages, check their website: https://www.mendeley.com/guides.

Some reasons to choose EndNote:

Zotero

  • Zotero and Mendeley are relatively young tools when compared to EndNote. EndNote X9 offers some additional features that might be necessary for your discipline and work flow.
  • There are two versions of Endnote -- a stand alone desktop program and EndNote Online, a cloud-based version. If you want to use both, they can be synced so that you have the same references (from a single desktop library) in both places.
  • However, EndNote X9 is not free but can be purchased with a significant educational discount through the Washington University STS. Currently, EndNote for WUSTL students for $24. For purchasing information, go here: https://sts.wustl.edu/sas-mathematica-and-endnote-for-students/.
  • For additional info, help pages, and videos about Endnote X9, check their thorough company guide: EndNote X9: https://clarivate.libguides.com/endnote_training/users/enx9
  • To establish your free Endnote Online account use the following steps:
  • Go to the Web Of Science from a computer connected to the campus network
  • Click on the EndNote link at the top right of the page
  • Click register on the pop up window
  • Storage limit: EndNote online via the Web of Science provides 2GB of storage with upgrade packages available.
  • Scroll down on this website to see a comparison of the two EndNote options: https://endnote.com/product-details/basic/
  • This guide at WUSTL’s Becker Medical School is also a helpful resource.