Help getting pdf metadata

gloriana11 · September 25, 2017

Since I installed the zotero 5.021 I have having trouble accessing metadata for downloaded pdf files. This is what I do:
download pdf from web/JSTOR
add to a zotero library using "link to file"
try to get metadata using "retrieve metadata for pdf"

It reports no metadata. This has happened consistently with everything I have downloaded including very recent articles from sources which have previously had metadata.

Any recommendations about why this is happening?

bwiernik · September 25, 2017

First, you should generally avoid using the Retrieve Metadata function whenever possible. It is almost never the best way to import items into your library. Instead, you will want to use the Zotero Browser button to import items.
https://www.zotero.org/support/getting_stuff_into_your_library

Second, if you go to Google Scholar, does the page load or give you a captcha to solve?

gloriana111 · September 28, 2017

I have looked at all the documentation and am still confused. What I want is to end up with a pdf file on my computer in the directory I set as the base directory linked to a zotero item showing full reference to the journal which would include the name of the journal, the author(s), volume and issue, page numbers., etc for a full Chicago style reference. I do not want a reference which shows only the URL. Please help me understand the best way to make this happen.

adamsmith · September 28, 2017

If you click on the "Save to Zotero" icon on e.g. this page:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/43670091
it will download the full metadata for generating a citation. If it doesn't download the PDF, you may have to once per session manually download (any) JSTOR pdf to accept the terms of conditions.