In general, the Zotero Connector is the best way to add items to your Library. Follow these Zotero Connector Download directions to get started.

Use the Zotero Connector:

1. Open the Zotero desktop application. The desktop application must always be open when using the Connector.
2. Locate the item (article, ebook, video, patent, etc.) that you want to add to your Zotero Library.
3. Click the Zotero Connector icon, usually located in the top right corner of your browser window.
   1. The Connector icon will change shape depending on the type of source you're viewing.
4. Using the drop down menu, select where you would like the item to be saved in your Library.
5. Press the Enter key to complete the action.
6. In the Desktop app, the last source added is highlighted in the Library or Collection.

Add Multiple Items at Once:

On some webpages with several items, like a database results list, the Zotero Connector icon will look like a file folder. This means you can add several items to your Library at once.

1. Ensure the Zotero desktop application is running.
2. On a webpage with multiple items, select the Zotero Connector icon (represented by a file folder).
3. In the window that appears, select which items you'd like to save.
4. Using the drop down menu, select where you would like the items to be saved in your Library.
5. Press the Enter key to complete the action. The items are now in your selected location.

Retrieve Article PDFs:

Zotero will attempt to attach full-text PDFs to articles that are added to your Library. This function is only available for open access articles and articles to which the University Libraries provides full access. To ensure the PDF is retrieved, wait until you are viewing the full-text of the article to click the Zotero Connector.

If a PDF is not automatically retrieved, right-click the item in the desktop application and select Find Available PDF. If a PDF is available, Zotero will attempt to attach it to the item.

You can manually add a large variety of items to your Zotero Library (e.g. radio broadcasts, interviews, hearings, etc.). This is often the best option for physical items or events that do not have a digital record.

Add Items Manually:

1. In the Zotero desktop application, select the green plus icon from the top tool bar.
2. From the drop down menu, select the type of item you would like to add.
   1. To see additional types, select More.
3. A highlighted, blank item will be added to your Library or Collection and an Info tab will appear in the right pane.
4. In the right pane, record information about your item in the appropriate metadata fields.
   1. You do not need to fill in every field. Just input what you can.
5. The information recorded in this tab will be used to create the item's citation, so make sure it's correct.

Add Items by Identifier:

1. In the Zotero desktop application, click the wand icon in the top toolbar (next to the green plus icon)
2. Enter your item's ISBN, DOI, PMID, arXiv ID, or ADS Bibcode and press the Enter key.
3. The new item will be added to your Library or Collection.

Add via PDF:

If you already have the PDF of an article saved to your computer, simply drag the file onto your Zotero desktop application to add it to your Library. Zotero will extract metadata from the PDF to populate the item's record.

Zotero creates a metadata record for each item added via the Zotero Connector. To see this record, select an item and view the Info tab in the right pane of the Desktop Application. You should verify the correctness of every item's record, as Zotero uses this information to create citations. If something is incorrect, simply click on the information to edit it.