SPEAKER: Welcome to Mason
Library tutorial, Zotero Part 1: First Steps.


In this tutorial,
you will learn how
to download Zotero
and create an account.

So what is Zotero?


Zotero is an open source, free
citation management software
that was developed at
George Mason University.


It is designed to help you
collect, organize, site,
and share your research.


The first step to using
Zotero is downloading it
to your laptop or
desktop computer.


Go to the website
www.zotero.org.


Next, select the bright
red Download button.


Zotero connects
with Microsoft Word.

So take a moment
to Save and Close
any documents you
have open in Microsoft
Word before proceeding.


You will need to
download two things
before you can get started.


First, download the
desktop Zotero client
to your personal computer.


Zotero includes options for
Windows, Macs, and Linux
machines.


The second is the
Zotero browser plugin,
which allows you
to add resources
to your Zotero library.


Zotero will detect which
browser you are using
and display the
associated plugin.

If you are using
Safari, the plugin
comes bundled with the
original Zotero download.


If you would also
like to install
the plugin for another browser,
click Zotero Connectors
for other browsers
for more options.


Again, with the
exception of Safari,
you will need to download
the Zotero client and browser
plugin to get Zotero working.


Let's talk about the benefits
of creating a Zotero account.


Creating an account allows you
to access your Zotero library
online and share libraries
with other Zotero
users for group projects.


If you work on multiple
devices and you
are logged into
your Zotero account,
your work will be synced
across all of these devices.


This is also important because
it backs up your library,
so you won't lose it in the
event your computer crashes.


To get started, select
the text for Login.


From here, select Register
for a Free Account
and insert your
personal information.


If you have a George Mason
University email address,
be sure to use that when signing
up to receive unlimited storage
space.


Once you have Zotero downloaded
and your online account
created, you can sync these
by opening your Zotero desktop
client.

For Windows, go to
Edit, Preferences, Sync.


For Mac, go to Zotero
Preferences Sync.


Login with your Zotero
username and password.


This will sync your desktop
library with your online Zotero
account, ensuring that
all your changes will
be accessible from
your account anywhere
you have internet access.


You have learned how to download
Zotero and create an account.


When you are ready, move
on to the next Zotero
video, which will
cover adding citations
to the desktop client.


You can also check out
Zotero workshops offered
by the library at
library.gmu.edu/workshops.


Thank you for
watching this video.
If you have other questions,
please refer to our ever
expanding How Do I Page or use
our Ask a Librarian Service.