Zotero provides the ability to save references from most library catalogs (including CSUDH's) and databases, with one click. If Zotero detects that you're looking at a book or article on a compatible site you'll see a corresponding book or page icon appear in the utility bar of your browser.
Click the icon and Zotero will automatically save the citation to your library.
After clicking the Zotero icon, you'll see it save to your library in the bottom right hand corner of your browser window.
If you're on a page of search results with many items, you'll see a folder icon instead. Click this to get a list of all the items on the page, and check off the ones you want to save.
Zotero can't automatically capture citation info from some web pages, but you can still add them to your Zotero library.
Instead of a page or book icon you'll see a webpage icon which stands for "Save to Zotero" (Web Page with Snapsnot).
This will also attach a snapshot of the page to the citation. It includes the page's text and images, so if the page is removed later, or if you're offline, you'll still be able to view your copy.
There may be times when you need to add an item to your library by hand. If so, use the green "plus" icon and choose the type of item from the dropdown list. A window will open with the appropriate fields to complete for that item type.
At the top left is a folder button with a green plus sign. Click this to create a new "collection."
Create collections to organize your references. Collections are like file folders on your computer, but a reference can be in more than one collection at a time. In other words, an article on teaching techniques could be in folder called "CUR 519", "Education Paper", and "Student Teaching" all at the same time.