Zotero is a computer program that provides a storage space for citations (references to works you use in your writing) and formats them in any of hundreds of citation formats as you write your paper, article, annotated bibliography, dissertation or book.
Go to http://zotero.org to download the latest version of Zotero, plus Browser Connectors for any of the following web browsers you use: Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari. See our video showing how to do this and other key setup steps.
Ask your professor which citation format you should use, MLA, APA, Chicago, or Turabian. The MU Libraries have style manuals on reference and also links to websites outlining basic citation styles.
When you're doing research, for every source you consult you want to record the:
Title
Author
Source (name of publication)
Publisher (for books)
Date published
City of publication (for books)
Pages used
Web site address
Date accessed (for web sites)
You can find assistance online via the MU Libraries' homepage. Go to http://library.missouri.edu/guides/WritingCiting.htm.
