Reference matching
Use stable metadata before relying on filenames.
- DOI
- Title
- Authors
- Year
- Journal
- PDF filename
Move Zotero references into a literature review matrix.
Import portable Zotero references, match them to PDFs, and send verified evidence notes to a dedicated Zotero collection.
A practical starting structure.
The CSV shows the reference fields used to match records with PDFs and the evidence fields needed for a reviewable literature matrix.
zotero-literature-review-matrix-template.csv| DOI | Title | Authors | PDF file | Method | Finding | Exact quote | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10.0000/example | Structured feedback and revision | Kim; Alvarez; Reed | Kim_2024.pdf | Quasi-experimental | Deeper substantive revisions | Students using structured peer review revised more substantively... | 12 |
What the template captures.
Matrix fields
Add the comparable information required by the research question.
- Research question
- Sample
- Method
- Finding
- Limitation
Evidence trail
Preserve the source needed to verify extracted interpretations.
- Exact quote
- PDF page
- Match status
- Reviewer note
Keep Zotero as the reference library.
Export only the collection selected for extraction, then use EvidenceGrid for the evidence matrix.
Export the selected collection
Choose RIS, BibTeX, or CSV in Zotero and keep DOI, title, and author metadata in the export.
Upload references and PDFs
EvidenceGrid matches PDF records by DOI, title, and authors. Unmatched items remain visible for review.
Verify and send the evidence
Define up to twelve fields, review exact quotes and pages, then download a file or send evidence notes to a new Zotero collection.
Reference metadata and extracted evidence serve different jobs.
Zotero remains the citation library. EvidenceGrid adds question-specific extraction, quote matching, page verification, repair, and cross-paper synthesis.
Connect Zotero only when you want one-click delivery.
Portable RIS, BibTeX, and CSV import remains available without account access. An optional Zotero connection creates a dedicated collection of evidence notes after you explicitly choose Send.
Common questions.
Do PDF filenames need to match Zotero titles?
No. EvidenceGrid first uses DOI, title, and author metadata. Clear filenames still make manual review easier when a record cannot be matched.
Which Zotero export format should I use?
RIS and BibTeX preserve common citation fields well. CSV is useful when you need to inspect or edit the exported columns before import.
Does this change my Zotero library?
File import leaves the library unchanged. If you connect Zotero and choose Send, EvidenceGrid creates a new collection containing evidence notes and source links. You can disconnect access at any time.