Zotero Basics: Creating Zotero Records

Zotero allows you to enter records two ways:  manually (covered on this tab) and by downloading them from a database (see "Importing Records" tab).

To import a record manually, start with the "New Item" (paper and plus sign) button.

Don't see your source type listed?  Pick something that is similar.

• Example:  To cite an "Object" like a postcard you can use the Item Type for "Artwork".  In the Title field, you can type "Postcard of the UCSB Library"

The item type you select will determine which fields are available.  You do not need to have information in every field, but you should at least have the basic citation information for that type of source.

Example 1: Book (basic fields)

• Title
• Author or Editor
  • Note that you can select the role for each person
  • You can add additional authors or editors by using the "+" to the right of the bottom-most author entry
  • Once you have more than one entry, you can control the order by dragging and dropping.
  • Note that surnames (family names) are entered first.  Hit tab to move to the field for personal (given) names.

Example 2:  Article (basic fields)

• Title
• Author
• Publication
• Volume
• Issue
• Pages
• Date