Zotero
What is Zotero
Zotero is a reference management program that allows you to collect, organize, annotate upon, and cite research sources.
What is the purpose of Zotero
Zotero allows you to collect citations then organize, manage, and reference sources through bibliographic and in-text citation supports. Zotero also allows for collaboration between groups so that sources can be collected and shared with others.
How to use Zotero
Using a web browser plug-in, Zotero users can capture, import, and archive information and files on sources such as books, journal articles, or websites. Zotero captures bibliographic information on sources allowing you to save information on the source. You can also add notes and tags to your references to keep track of themes or ideas relating to the work. Within Zotero, sources are organized into libraries, which can be private, shared with a specific group, or made public.
Where to find Support
This tool is not centrally supported
Help and Documentation
For help, please refer to the Zotero documentation
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
| Rating | Rationale |
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ScaleZotero can be scaled to accommodate any size class with the flexibility to create smaller sub-groups. There are no restrictions to the number or size of groups. |
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Ease of UseZotero has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and personalize |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityTechnical support and help documentation is available in the form of web pages or videos. See Documentation and Forums |
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HypermedialityZotero allows users to communicate through different channels (audio, visual, textual) and allows for non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material. Sources can be PDFs, webpages, images, audio or video files, etc. |
Accessibility
| Rating | Rationale |
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AODA FriendlyZotero has some limited capacity to be fully accessible for users or for materials to be made AODA-friendly. There are some known issues with the compatibility of screenreaders |
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User-focused participationZotero has some limited capacity to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities |
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Required EquipmentProper use of Zotero does not require equipment other than a computer and access to the internet |
Technical
| Rating | Rationale |
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OWL IntegrationZotero can only be offered in OWL through a link or static representations of the tool (i.e. PDF), rather than a functional version of the tool itself |
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Operating SystemsUsers can effectively utilize Zotero with any standard, up-to-date operating system (i.e. Windows 10, Apple OSX, etc.). There is a standalone desktop app available for Mac users only. |
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Web BrowserZotero for Firefox, a Firefox extension, is the original way of using Zotero. Zotero Standalone, a separate browser-independent application, is available for Chrome, Safari, Opera, or Bookmarklet |
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Additional Tech RequirementsZotero requires downloadable software. See Zotero Download Page |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
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Mobile Operating SystemsZotero was designed for desktop or laptop use. There is no official mobile Zotero app for mobile devices. |
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Mobile FunctionalityThe mobile version of Zotero.org allows users to access and edit their Zotero library on tablet or mobile phone, however functionality may be impacted |
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Offline AccessZotero Desktop (available for Mac) allows for offline access to a user’s Zotero library however links to webpages and online PDFs will be affected as will syncing capabilities |
Usage and Account Set Up
| Rating | Rationale |
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Sign Up/Sign InAll users must register with Zotero, creating a username and password with a provided email address. |
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Cost of Use300 MB of storage is provided with a free account. Users can purchase more storage space at an annual price |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataUsers can archive, save, or import and export content or activity data in a variety of formats |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers maintain ownership and copyright of their intellectual property/data; Zotero’s Privacy Policy states that through cookie technology or otherwise, they may track and collect information on your computer and software |
Social Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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CollaborationZotero has the capacity to support a community of learning through asynchronous but not synchronous opportunities for communication, interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users |
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User AccountabilityInstructors cannot control student anonymity (users create usernames) but Zotero provides some solution for holding students accountable for their actions (groups can be managed by adding or removing members) |
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DiffusionStudent familiarity with Zotero is likely mixed, some will lack basic technical competence with its functions |
Instructor Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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FacilitationZotero has limited functionality to effectively support an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement |
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CustomizationZotero is adaptable to its environment: easily customized to suit the classroom context and targeted learning outcomes |
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Learning AnalyticsZotero is not designed to provide learning analytics |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)Zotero enables functional improvement to engagement in the targeted cognitive task(s) |
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Higher Order ThinkingZotero may engage students in higher order thinking skills (given significant consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Feedback on LearningZotero is not designed to provide feedback to others |
Security and Privacy
This tool has not been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
Accounts
- Users are required to create and use a non-Western account. It is highly recommended that users do not use the same username and password that is in use at Western.
Information Collection
- Application collects information that could identify the user specifically (email address, class schedule, etc..)
EULA
- Acceptance of the Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement may bind the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application contract.
Last Updated: January 21, 2020
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Feedback
Leave feedback to comment or request that the tool be re-reviewed
Topic at a Glance
Zotero is a tool for reference management
