Using the “Group library” function of Zotero: A practical example using the H-Nationalism list

In this post, I want to introduce one of those features that means Zotero is unquestionably a 2.0 digital tool, namely its “Group Library” function. I will do this by presenting a practical example of how to use this Zotero function. “Group library” provides a powerful way to share collections with a class, work closely with colleagues on a project, keep track of conversations in your field more broadly, and keep tabs on what people at your institution, in your department or in your work field are working on.

There are two ways to create a group.

1. The first is directly through your Zotero, clicking on the  button “New Group” in the top-left corner of Zotero.

2.After having logged in your Zotero account, you can also click the “Create New Group” button on the groups landing page of the Zotero web site.

You can find more information about the “Group library” function here: http://www.zotero.org/support/groups.

A practical example of the use of this Zotero function in the Humanities is the following initiative of the H-Nationalism list (more info here). In the next lines, I copied the email with which the list is promoting its initiative:

Dear H-Nationalism List Members,

I was hoping I could bother you all with a quick request.  A few months ago H-Nationalism launched a program to create a series of specialized bibliographies on Zotero. Since then, we’ve been able to build modest initial bibliographies on a variety of topics such as the Origins Debate, Civic and Ethnic Nationalisms, and Gender and Sexuality. With the help of a few volunteer bibliographers (to whom I express my great appreciation), we’ve also been able to start more detailed topical bibliographies that continue to grow and develop. The fruits of these labors are available at:

https://www.zotero.org/groups/h-nationalism/items

We are now hoping to build a start-up bibliography on nationalism and the European Union.  For that reason, I was hoping that our EU experts out there might be willing to recommend some sources to me off-list at [email protected] .  Any tips about readings pertaining to the European Union and its relationship to nations, nationalism, and nationalities would be much appreciated (and credited within the bibliography).  Thanks in advance for anyone who can spare a few minutes to offer me some suggestions.

Kind Regards,

David Prior
Advisory Board Member
H-Nationalism
[email protected]