While Zotero is free, you still have to register for an account. Use your @lion.lmu.edu or @lmu.edu email address for the account. Please confirm your email address as well.
Click on the Zotero for Mac OSX or Zotero for Windows link according to your system.
Install the software as you would any other software program (see downloads to open).
Open the Google Chrome browser or Firefox browser. Install the Chrome or Firefox connector (Safari is not suggested).
Confirm the plug-in is installed by looking for the Zotero icon in the upper right corner of your browser window:
Chrome:
Firefox:
Video Instructions:
3. Sync Zotero on Desktop
Now that you have Zotero for Desktop and your Zotero browser plug-in, you need to sync your accounts. This will make sure everything shows up when you add citations. Think of it like Apple iCloud or Google Drive. You add a document or photo in one place and it shows up across all the platforms.
Basic Instructions:
Open Zotero Desktop on your computer:
For Mac OSX, open a folder > Applications > Zotero or search using the Spotlight search function > Zotero.
For Windows, open a Windows Explorer folder > Computer > OS (c:) > Programs (x86) > Zotero.exe or use the Cortana/Search bar > Zotero.