Zotero Basics: Importing Records

• Always open your Zotero software before you try to import records.
• We recommend importing one record at a time.  It is much easier to clean up your records and check them if you import one record at a time.
• File your records as you import them.  If you do get behind, use the "Unfiled Items" view below your folders to see which items have not been added to collections.
• Give Zotero time to examine the record and determine the publication type.  The "Save to Zotero" icon (pinned in your browser's tool bar) will change to show a book, book section, article, webpage, etc.  See the Sample Toolbar Icons below.

Sample Toolbar Icons

Toolbar Icon Location showing Article Icon:

Documentation

UC Library Search

UC Library Search is the best tool for determining what is available through our library and the other libraries of the University of California.  However, it should not be the only tool that you use in your research.  Use UC Library Search for books and book chapters. For article records discovered through UC Library Search, click through to the site with the full text before you add the record.  In most cases the PDF will be automatically downloaded and attached to the record in your library.

WorldCat

WorldCat can also be a good tool for book records, especially those that you have to request through Interlibrary Loan.  For article records discovered through WorldCat, click through to the site with the full text before you add the record.  In most cases the PDF will be automatically downloaded and attached to the record in your library.

Article Databases

Use our subject guides to find databases related to your discipline.

Your subject librarian can help you identify the best databases for your subject area and research topic.  You can make an appointment for a personal research consultation.

Google Scholar

Use Google Scholar to find article records.  For best results, click through to the source on the right before importing.  This will give you both the record and the attached PDF (when available).

Attached Files

If the full text PDF does not automatically attach to the record, save the PDF and attach it yourself.