How to batch import books and reports in Zotero?
Batch import in Zotero efficiently adds multiple books and reports simultaneously through directory structures or compatible file formats. This functionality is feasible using built-in tools for organized folders or importing standardized bibliographic data files.
Key principles involve proper source preparation. For folder import, maintain a structured directory reflecting desired collections/subcollections; Zotero matches file content to metadata if filenames match titles or identifiers. Importing RIS or BibTeX files typically requires selecting the file and choosing the correct import translator. Ensure files possess sufficient metadata or ISBNs/DOIs for accurate matching. Post-import, deduplication and metadata verification are essential.
To implement, first organize documents in a hierarchical folder system. Use File -> Import -> Folder, selecting the top-level directory; Zotero creates collections matching the structure and attempts metadata retrieval. Alternatively, for RIS/BibTeX exports from databases or libraries, use File -> Import. Ensure filenames closely resemble titles or identifiers for successful matching. Finally, review imported items, check metadata accuracy using the Info pane, identify duplicates, and manually add metadata for unmatched files. This significantly accelerates building comprehensive literature libraries.
