Zotero 8.0
Zotero is a free, easy-to-use reference management tool to help you collect, organize, annotate, cite, and share sources. The free version offers 300 MB of cloud storage.
The current version, Zotero 8, can be downloaded directly from the website. Versions that are already installed can be updated via Help → Check for Updates.
To use it, you need the desktop programme itself and the Zotero Connector for your preferred browser. The Connector allows you to transfer references from databases and research portals to your Zotero library with just a few clicks.
What’s new in Zotero 8?
Zotero 8 brings numerous improvements. The most important new features are summarised below:
New, clearer citation dialogue
The most significant innovation is the revised citation dialogue – the area where you insert references into your text. The dialogue is now more intuitive and offers two modes:
- List mode: Quick search for titles, authors or publication years within your entire Zotero libraries.
- Library mode: Direct navigation through selected folders to select the appropriate source.
As before, you can customise inserted citations via an entry window with page numbers, prefixes, etc. Now you can also use any locator type (not just page numbers, but also lines, tables, chapters, etc.).
Further improvements in Zotero 8
- Better visibility of annotations: Notes you create while reading articles are now more prominent and can be searched for specifically.
- Reader themes: In the integrated reader, you can switch more quickly between displays such as Dark, Snow or Sepia.
- Notes in tabs: Notes open in tabs by default – ideal if you want to use multiple documents and notes at the same time.
Important: Zotero 8 only supports current operating systems (e.g. Windows 10+ or macOS 10.15+). Older systems are no longer supported.
Detailed information can be found on the Zotero blog. We also offer regular introductions to Zotero as part of our
Wissen+ series.
Tip: Zotero for Android
Zotero is now also available on Android smartphones. This is particularly useful if you want to quickly glance at your library while on the go or spontaneously add a new source – without a laptop.
Unlimited Storage Space
Everyone with an HSLU e-mail address has unlimited storage space for Zotero.
- Use your HSLU e-mail address when registering for your Zotero account and you will automatically receive unlimited storage space.
- If you already have a Zotero account with a private e-mail address, please enter your HSLU e-mail address under the following link and you will be given unlimited storage space.
- applies to e-mail addresses with …@stud.hslu.ch and …@hslu.ch domains.
Helpful Tutorials and Information
Introductory Videos
FU Berlin, 9 min., Fall 2020
https://youtu.be/rqpRQhK9Al0
Examples with Primo (looks like swisscovery)
In German, good audio, pragmatic, highly recommended!
University of Dresden, Institute for German Studies, 14 min., January 2020
https://youtu.be/PqQp_oUUY5w
In German, personal style, with recommendations for academic assignments, also explains Zotero groups, somewhat lengthy towards the end
Crash course for Zotero from a private tutorial provider, 15 min, May 2021
https://youtu.be/-zeEig1qP3s
In German, dynamic, entertaining, personal style, practically divided into chapters,
many very enthusiastic responses in the YouTube comments section
FH Sankt Pölten, just under 5 minutes, July 2020
https://youtu.be/1gt85_2IBpA
In German, the shortest of all Zotero introduction videos, all important functions explained, auto-generated voice, incorrect auto-generated subtitles, looks somewhat unprofessional
How To Use Zotero (A Complete Beginner’s Guide), 12:40 Min, October 2021
https://youtu.be/JG7Uq_JFDzE
In English, good audio, a guide in chapters, focus on resource management
Zotero Groups Video
University of Dresden, 8:58 min, January 2020
https://youtu.be/HFIPQqcTEiA
In German, somewhat lengthy, recommends Zotero Groups in open public form, which is not suitable for academic assignments like a Bachelor’s thesis
Further Tutorials And Courses
Quickguide in written form on the Zotero website gives a good insight into working with the software
ZHAW Moodle course on Zotero (in German, members of all Swiss universities can register with their SWITCH edu-ID)