Run Zotero duplicate detection to group look-alike items, then compare each pair's DOI against the Crossref works record to decide which item to keep, merge, or correct. Zotero's duplicate detection identifies potential duplicate items and offers a merge interface that preserves collections and tags while combining item records. Crossref's works route returns the metadata deposited for a given DOI, which gives you a reference point for the fields that differ.
- Open the Duplicate Items view in Zotero and work through one pair at a time. Confirm that both records describe the same work before treating the difference as a metadata conflict; a shared title alone can pair distinct items.
- Copy the DOI from each record and look it up through the Crossref works route. The response shows the metadata deposited for that DOI, so you can compare title, author list, container, year, and pagination against what each Zotero item holds.
- Decide the action from the comparison. Keep the item whose fields match the Crossref record, merge the pair when they are the same work and you want one combined record with collections and tags preserved, and correct fields directly when a single item carries wrong values.
- Record the reconciliation for the reference list: note the DOI used, the fields you changed, and which item survived the merge. This note lets you re-check the entry later without repeating the comparison.
A DOI that returns no Crossref record leaves the conflict unresolved; verify the identifier against the publisher's article page before you edit either item. When the two records carry different DOIs, treat them as separate works until you confirm otherwise.