Create a second library

pm

Is there a possibility to create a second library that doesn't interfere with the first "my library"? I have a bibliography that isn't related to my main interest but I need it from time to time. So I want to keep it in reach but there is no need to merge the tags etc.

noksagt

Is a collection not suitable for your purpose?

You can change the location of your zotero data directory, but it requires a browser restart presently (or you could have separate Firefox profiles).

pm

No, a collection is not suitable because I prefer to keep those titles out of my library. Otherwise I would have to many titles in that library and it would be difficult to keep an overview.
I hope I understand you correctly if I infer from your answer that there is no possibility to create a second library?
By the way: I found a workaround. Opening a new Group with Zotero 2.0 can serve as an additional library.

noksagt

I hope I understand you correctly if I infer from your answer that there is no possibility to create a second library?You misunderstand. It is possible, but not convenient. Gear->Preferences->Advanced->Storage Location; choose a new custom library location & restart firefox. You'll be starting with a new, empty library. Change the storage location back & restart firefox to use your original library.

pm

That is indeed quiet inconvenient, but thank you very much!

bdarcus

If the collection isn't suitable, perhaps it's appropriate to use another service, like delicious? That's what I do, only using zotero for specifically bibliographic data.

Bionatsci

No, a collection is not suitable because I prefer to keep those titles out of my library. Otherwise I would have to many titles in that library and it would be difficult to keep an overview.

Personally I was of the same opinion until I tried just using collections with peripheral interests of my own. As long as I maintain a good collection structure - with a small number of high level collections (I would say no more than five) representing the broadest divisions, and everthing else in heirarchical subcollections below that I have found no difficulties in seperating my interests. Personally I have found that having the same tags where appropriate, and items from all my interests popping up in searchs helps me draw quite informative connections between different topics.

My advice would be to try using collections - you may be pleasantly surprised.

If you do want to keep things entirely separate probably the neatest way to go about it, if you don't want to use something like delicious, is to use separate Firefox profiles, both running Zotero with different storage locations. By following the instructions here you can make different shortcut icons for each profile on your desktop or start menu, and even run both profiles at once. You will also be able to maintain different bookmarks for your different interests, or alternatively you could probably sync bookmarks using any of the tools designed for syncing bookmarks between computers.

Although this solution is more work to set up it will probably be somewhat smoother once you get it going.