Share folders and collaborate

Groups

Zotero users can create collaborative or interest groups. Shared group libraries make it possible to collaboratively manage research sources and materials, both online and through the Zotero app.

Group Libraries are separate from your personal My Library, so you can also use Zotero groups as a way to keep separate libraries within one Zotero profile. To be able create a new group, you must have an online Zotero account connected to your Zotero app (see page "Download and install Zotero").

Create a new group

Click on File > New Library > New Group... 

You will be sent to Zotero.org in a browser to log in to your Zotero account. Here you choose the rest of your group settings. There are three types of groups:

  • Public, Open Membership: The group page is public, and anyone who wants to can join instantly.
  • Public, Closed Membership: Anyone can view the group page, but the only way to join the group is by invitation or by requesting an invitation.
  • Private Groups: Only group members and users invited to join the group are able to see the group’s page.

To have the group show in your Zotero app, sync your library with the two arrows on the top right in the app:

Group library in app

Note that group libraries are wholly separate from My Library. Any items dragged into them are separate copies and changes to the items will not be reflected in your own copy of the item until you drag it back into My Library.

Invite new members

To invite new group members, go to Zotero.org > Groups. Click on "Manage Members".

Mange members on zotero.org

Click "Send More Invitations" at the bottom of the page. Pending invitations can also be cancelled from this page.