Zotero is free, works with the AGLC, and can be used after you have left the university. Zotero is easy to use and has web connectors to get citations straight from the internet.
You will still need to check every citation, so creating citations manually for shorter assignments can be easier.
Do you need a quick citation or bibliography list? Try Zoterobib. You will still need to check every citation, so creating citations manually for shorter assignments can be easier.
Zotero is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.
For information on installation and trouble shooting see:
You can register online for free; you don't need an account but you can join groups and sync your library across multiple devices.
Zotero has some standard referencing styles; you also add the AGLC4 style.
Next you will need to select how your citations display.
Make a backup of your Zotero library, and make a copy on your storage device.
You can install a Word Plugin to add the Zotero tab to Microsoft Word.
Adding a Citation
1. Place your cursor where you want the footnote to go.
2. Select 'Add/Edit Citation'.
3. In the pop-up window, search for the terms of the source you want (name, author, title). When you have found your source, select it.
Updating a Citation
After you update a citation in Zotero, select 'Refresh' to update your document.
Before you submit your assignment, unlink citations, this is irreversible and should only be done on your final version. You can save a draft with your citations linked.
This will allow you to manually edit or change any citations you need.
You can drag and drop a PDF document into Zotero, and the program will add it using the publication details. Not every file will work depending on the data in the file.
When you download Zotero, you will also need to download the Zotero Connector, allowing you to cite from a website. There is a connector available for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Click on your connector to start your citation.
The location of the connector icon will be different for each browser. Here is an example of the Connector from Chrome; it is added to the extension area at the top of the browser:
The appearance of the connector depends on what Zotero detectors. If multiple references are detected, a folder icon will appear. A book icon will appear if a book is detected and scales when a legal source is detected, and a page for a journal or website.
After selecting using the connector, you will be asked to save the source.
Always check the information saved in Zotero to ensure it is correct.
Many databases will have an 'export' function allowing you to send the citation details to Zotero. This will look different for each database. Databases like Google Scholar and Library Search have export functions. However, databases such as Lexis Advance and Westlaw don't have this option.
If presented with export options, select 'RIS', 'Zotero' or 'EndNote'; this will allow you to download.
Here is an example from Google Scholar:
When you download, you may get a message asking to open with Zotero:
In Zotero use the plus sign to manually add a reference. Start by selecting what type of source you would like to cite (book, journal, case) and then fill in the details in the fields. Refer to the AGLC Guide for examples of which filed need to be completed.
Using an ISBN, a DOIs or another identifier you can copy the number and paste it in to add to Zotero.
To edit a reference, click on the reference you wish to edit in Zotero, using the right-hand Info column to update and edit the reference.
Creating Folders
Use the folders icon in Zotero to create new folders and sort your references.
Tagging
You can use Tags which can then be searched and organised in Zotero.
