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Zotero
Zotero is a free, open-source research assistant that helps users collect, organize, annotate, cite, and share research sources. It is known for its ease of use and strong community support.
Key Features
- One-click collection of sources from web browsers (articles, books, web pages)
- Organization into collections and tagging with keywords
- Creation of saved searches
- Direct citation in Word, LibreOffice, and Google Docs with support for over 9,000 citation styles
- Data synchronization across devices (optional)
- Free collaboration by sharing libraries.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Powerful and flexible
- Strong community and extensive documentation
- Respects user data privacy.
Cons
- Interface might feel slightly less modern than some commercial alternatives
- Cloud storage for synced files beyond a certain limit is paid.
Best For
Students and researchers who prefer a free, open-source, and highly capable tool for collecting, managing, and citing research literature, with strong collaboration features.