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Conducting a Literature Review

Citation Management

Citation management software allows you to create a personal library of references. References can include citation information as well as annotations, graphics, and the full text pdfs. The software works with your word processors to automatically add references to your paper and format your bibliography in the proper style (APA, MLA, Chicago style, etc.)

Keeping Track of Your Sources

You're going to be looking through a lot of materials for your review, and it's easy to loose track of a particular citation or how you got to a source.  Keep a search log -- a notebook, note cards, an online document, a Word document, a citation manager, whatever format you prefer -- to track:

  • Where you searched (name of database, catalog, etc.)
  • When you searched
  • Search terms and combinations of terms that were successful
  • Search terms and combinations of terms that were not successful
  • Searches or leads you want to pursue next

 

WRITING TIP: As you are writing the literature review you will mention the author names and the publication years in your text, but you will still need to compile comprehensive list citations for each entry at the end of your review. Follow APA, MLA, or Chicago style guidelines, as your course requires.

Getting Started Guide for Zotero

Zotero Quick Links

Download the Desktop Application

https://www.zotero.org/download/​
View and manage your citations from your desktop.

Register for a free Online Account

https://www.zotero.org/user/register/​
Sync your online account with your desktop application to view and manage your library online.

Install the Web Connector

https://www.zotero.org/download/​
Import citations from the web directly into your Zotero library.

Zotero Support and Training