About
Zotero is a free database tool that can be used as an alternative to Endnote. It "automatically senses content in your web browser, allowing you to add it to your personal library with a single click."
Note that while the University does not provide technical support for this program, you can refer to our detailed Zotero guide for further information.
Resources
This guide is intended to provide a basic introduction to using Zotero. For more detailed information please refer to the resources provided below.
Installing Zotero
You can download Zotero on the Zotero download page.
Be sure to also install a Zotero Connector for your browser. Zotero is used as a plugin within your web browser and it can be used with Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Everything you need to know can be found on the Zotero quick start guide.
You can also use Zotero bookmarklet without downloading any software, this is useful for tablets and mobile devices. If you make an online Zotero account, you can then sync your library from bookmarklet to your computer, as well as sync your library across multiple computers. Signing up for an online account also enables you to use the 'groups' feature for sharing your library and collaborating with other users.
Adding AGLC style to Zotero
Once you have downloaded Zotero and the connector for your browser, you will need to install the AGLC style into the program. If you are using Windows, in the menu bar click on 'Edit' and then 'Preferences' (The icon should look like a gear).
In the pop-up window, click on 'Cite', then 'Styles' and then 'Get additional styles...' as shown below.
This will open their styles repository in your web browser. Search for 'Australian Guide to Legal Citation' and click on the link.
This will automatically download the AGLC to Zotero. Now, under the 'Export' tab, change the default output format to AGLC. Click 'OK' to close the preferences window and return to Zotero.
The new style for AGLC4 was released on 16/4/2019. A library of sample AGLC4 references is available.
Adding Zotero to Microsoft Word
You can use Zotero directly in Word, just as you would with Endnote. If you're running Zotero 5.0 or Zotero Standalone 4.0, the word processor plugins are bundled with Zotero and should be installed automatically for each supported word processor on your computer when you first start Zotero.
In Word, simply select Zotero from the menu, then choose to 'add/edit citation'. You can also add a Bibliography and refresh your citations to incorporate any changes you've made in the library. Make sure to set the document preferences to AGLC style.
Using Zotero
Using Zotero, you can import an individual reference, or a list of search results straight from your web browser. Once you have located an online resource, just click the Zotero icon in the browser menu bar to import. You can also import a snapshot of a webpage or drag and drop a pdf file from your computer.
This 'one click' function is compatible with Monash Library Search, HeinOnline, LegalTrac, Google Scholar, SSRN, JSTOR, and more.
However, Zotero is not automatically compatible with LexisNexis or Westlaw. It also has some trouble with UN documents and treaties. In these situations you can:
Zotero Groups
Zotero's Groups feature allows you to share references with other Zotero users online. It's a great way to work on collaborative research projects.
See more on how to set this up at the Georgia State University Zotero research guide.
Zotero hints and tips
Zotero is good for organisation and storage, as well as citation.
You can make folders to organise items within your library, and add files and notes to your resources.
Here's a few other useful tips:
Zotero tutorials
Getting Stuff Into Zotero from zotero on Vimeo.
Manually Adding Items to Zotero from zotero on Vimeo.
Feedback
If you have any additional hints, tips or information suggestions for inclusion on this page please email the Law Library Team.