Screencast of research writing workflow using zotero (ideas for improvement?)

flatlanderdox

Hello.

I am trying to work out a workflow/process for research paper writing using Zotero. I would love to hear anyone's thoughts on how I might be able to improve upon this workflow (or should I scrap it altogether for something else?).

I put together a screencast trying to explain it. It is by no means professional. I just wanted to get it documented so that others could help me improve it.

Here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pu7nNKplwW4

Thanks in advance!

-Adam

Tjowens

Thanks for sharing! It seems like you have a solid approach for organizing your library. Here are a few things you might consider.

Based on the video, it looks like you are using tags and collections to store redundant information. In my experience, it is best to use them for different kinds of info. I tend to use collections to do the kind of structural organization you were doing, and to keep track of transitory organization. For example, if I am going to pick up books from the library I will make a "get from the library collection" and stick a zero on the front of it to make it float to the top. Then once I have the books I will just delete the collection.

I then rely on tags to keep track of themes and keywords that provide valuable ways to slice through information in the future. I also use tags for process codes, things like must read or iownit.

The other thing I note is that it sounds like you are not making use of advanced searches. I know a few Zotero power users who have, more or less, moved entirely to using advanced searches. If your interested you can check out an example of using advanced search for a historical research project here. http://www.trevorowens.org/2009/09/mining-old-news-for-fresh-historical-insight/