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Zotero: A Reference Management System

Collaboration & Groups

Using Zotero to work collaboratively with colleagues and to share your research sources with the world is easy using Zotero Groups.

To start a new Zotero Group, make sure you're logged in at zotero.org. Click on the Groups tab > click on Create a New Group

Group Types & Access:
You determine the level of visibility and access others have to your new group. Groups can be either Public or Private. Public groups can be open to anyone or by invitation only. Private groups are strictly visible to collaborators you invite to join your group.

Types of Zotero Groups

To join an existing group, use the Search feature to find groups your interested in joining.

Search for an existing Zotero Group

Zotero Groups

Zotero's Groups feature allows you to share references with other Zotero users online. It's a great way to work on collaborative research projects.

First, set up Zotero sync and synchronize your library.

  • To create a shared library, click the Create Groups button near the top left of your Zotero window (small blue/green button with two “people” icons, second from the left).
  • To join an existing Zotero library, search for it at zotero.org/groups or be invited by the group’s owner.
  • You must log in to the zotero.org website to create or join a group.

You now have two sections in your Zotero collections pane: My Library and Group Libraries.

Personal and group libraries are entirely separate, and changes made to items in one library do not affect the other. You can drag items back and forth libraries to copy items.

Search for existing public groups or create a new group. Groups may be public (searchable, and anyone can join) or private (users can only join if invited).

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