Upgrade StorageStoring Other Files in Zotero: Attach to Full Zotero Items or Standalone?
http://www.zotero.org/support/getting_stuff_into_your_library
Start: Getting Stuff Into Your Library: Storing Other Files in Zotero
In the section linked above, it first states, "To add a file to your Zotero collection simply drag it from your desktop or a folder on your computer into the middle column."
But at the end of the paragraph, it explains, "For example, if you store a word doc or an excel spreadsheet inside your Zotero library double clicking on those files will launch the program you have designated to open those file types. In most cases it is best to attach these files to full Zotero items. To attach a file to an item simply drag it on to the item you would like to attach it to."
The first method seems to create a standalone item of just the .doc file, for example, in the Middle Column; whereas, the suggestion in the second quotation, says "it is best" to create a full Zotero document, in this case, and then attach (or alternatively link, I guess, if attaching duplicates the actual file into the Zotero storage folder).
So, why is it best to attach the file to a full Zotero item rather than have it stand alone in the Middle Column?
Start: Getting Stuff Into Your Library: Storing Other Files in Zotero
In the section linked above, it first states, "To add a file to your Zotero collection simply drag it from your desktop or a folder on your computer into the middle column."
But at the end of the paragraph, it explains, "For example, if you store a word doc or an excel spreadsheet inside your Zotero library double clicking on those files will launch the program you have designated to open those file types. In most cases it is best to attach these files to full Zotero items. To attach a file to an item simply drag it on to the item you would like to attach it to."
The first method seems to create a standalone item of just the .doc file, for example, in the Middle Column; whereas, the suggestion in the second quotation, says "it is best" to create a full Zotero document, in this case, and then attach (or alternatively link, I guess, if attaching duplicates the actual file into the Zotero storage folder).
So, why is it best to attach the file to a full Zotero item rather than have it stand alone in the Middle Column?
- Bibliographic metadata and citation support
- Tagging
- Attaching multiple notes/files to the same item
- Relating different items using the "Related" tab.
Secondly (and anyone feel free to correct me on this if I have got the wrong impression) the development team seems to be moving away from standalone files as a concept altogether - so that the full item is always the fundamental unit of organisation. AFAIK this makes several things, especially from the point of view of sharing/collaboration, easier from a technical point of view.