Collaborating

The collection of references in Zotero's software is stored locally on your machine. To share these references with others, you need to follow these steps:

1. Create a Zotero account
2. Synchronise your Zotero library
3. Create a group for sharing references
4. Invite others to this group
5. Add references to the group via Zotero

Synchronising the Library

You can synchronise the library in the Zotero software with Zotero's Web Library. By syncing, you can access your references on Zotero.org from any device. Here’s how to set up sync:

• In Zotero, go to the main menu and select Edit > Preferences > Sync
  (Mac: Zotero > Preferences > Sync)
• Enter your Zotero username and password under Data Syncing and confirm via the button
• Close the settings and start synchronising with the sync button (two arrows in the upper right corner)

Creating Shared Groups

You create shared groups in the web library in the browser. Go directly to Zotero's website or select File > New Library > New Group... in the Zotero software. Log in to Zotero's website. Under the Groups tab, you then create a new group:

• Select Create a New Group
• Enter a name for the group
• Choose whether the group will be private (only invited participants) or not.
• Click on Create Group
• Under Members Settings you can add group members.​​
• Click on Send More Invitations
• Enter the email addresses of those who will join the group
  NB: This must be their registered email address for Zotero.
  You can also see invites in your inbox on Zotero.org when you're logged in.
• Confirm with Invite Members

Under Group Settings you can change the group's name, add a description, and set a category. From here, you can also delete the group.
Under Library Settings, you can manage private/public access and read/edit permissions.

The invited members will receive an email with a link that they need to follow and then confirm group membership by clicking on Join.

In the Zotero software, the shared group will appear in the collection panel on the left after syncing.

Using Shared Groups

Adding References

You can add references to a shared group by dragging references from your Zotero library over to the shared group in the collection panel on the left.

To add new references to the group via Zotero Connector, change the collection that the reference should be added to after you click on the Connector button.

Remember to synchronise the Zotero library after you have added new references.

Using Shared References in Text

References that are in a shared group can be added as citations in Word, LibreOffice, or Google Docs just like other references in your library.

If you are missing a reference that you know someone has added, check that everyone has synchronised their Zotero library.