Citation Tools

Your Librarian

Erin Carrillo
James Branch Cabell Library
emcarrillo@vcu.edu
804-828-7020

Tips and Tricks

Most Databases/Journals:

  • Look for an Export/Save/Cite link with a choice of RIS or BibTeX format; exporting records in either format will be more complete
  • Use the browser connector if you cannot save as RIS or BibTeX

VCU Libraries Search/Web sites:

  • Select ... ('show action options) and then Export RIS. Copy and paste the text into a Zotero collection or subcollection.

APA Style Users: BEFORE citing, TRANSFORM TITLE to 'Sentence case'

  • Select item | Right-click Title | Transform Text | Select Sentence case

Zotero Resources

Consider using Zotero if...

... you often save references while researching, then review and download the full text later.

... you use sources in a variety of formats, including video, audio, art, etc.

... you keep formatted notes, i.e., they contain bold or italic text, superscripts, bulleted lists, and/or you like to keep multiple notes.

... you like using tools that are customizable and configurable.

Installing and Customizing Zotero

Step 1: Install Zotero (stand-alone) 

  • Open https://www.zotero.org/
  • Download and install Zotero on each computer you regularly use. (You do not have to install on all computers at the same time), The installation automatically includes the toolbar for Word.
  • Install the Zotero Connector for each browser you use:
    • PCs - Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera
    • Macs - Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Opera
    • NOTE: There is currently no connector for Internet Explorer. 

Step 2: Register at zotero.org to allow syncing among multiple computers.

Step 3: Customize using Preferences

  • Open Zotero on your computer (red Z - Desktop or Dock)
  • Open Preferences - Edit | Preferences or Zotero | Preferences
    • Sync: Enter your Zotero username and password; choose whether attachments should be synced (you have 300MB of free cloud storage, about 100 PDFs)
    • Advanced | General | Resolver (OpenURL): Enter the Get it @ VCU address: https://vcu.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/openurl/01VCU_INST/01VCU_INST:VCUL

Using Zotero for academic writing