Staying current with research can be challenging, especially when juggling multiple projects. Managing a growing pool of research while tackling multiple projects simultaneously can be overwhelming. I’ve created a structured system involving tools like Zotero, Google Scholar, and the Zettelkasten method to solve this. One tool that I’ve found incredibly helpful is Zotero, which allows me to organize and collect research from various sources efficiently. Here’s how I do it:
Setting Up Collections in Zotero and Managing Duplicates
Currently, I have 14 active book ideas, each with its own collection in Zotero. This helps me keep my research organized and easily accessible. I start by creating a collection for each topic I’m interested in. For example, when working on my mastery quizzing book, I made a collection specifically for that project. Setting up collections ensures that I can find what I need without feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information.
A list of Zotero collections.
One challenge when adding research is accumulating duplicate articles, especially if you use the same keywords frequently. Fortunately, Zotero has a feature to help merge duplicate entries, keeping your collection clean and organized. This step is crucial to maintaining efficiency and avoiding wasting time sorting through redundant information.
Using Google Scholar and Setting Alerts for Continuous Research
Once the collections are set, the next step is leveraging Google Scholar to efficiently populate them with high-quality research. I use keywords to find relevant articles, and ChatGPT helps me identify useful keywords quickly. With the Zotero extension, I can automatically transfer selected articles from Google Scholar into my Zotero collections. It’s important to narrow down the scope of the search; I usually filter for articles published in the last year.
After collecting initial research, I set up Google Scholar alerts for my specific keywords. I have 18 active alerts, so I receive emails daily with new articles. This approach ensures that I stay up-to-date with the latest developments in my fields of interest. I quickly review these alerts, and if an article seems worthwhile, I copy the title, search for it in Google Scholar, and add it to the appropriate Zotero collection. This continuous cycle of research collection keeps my work current and relevant.
Google Scholar Alerts
Continuous Collection and Writing
With these strategies, I continuously add to my research collections. When I’m ready to write, I sift through the articles, discard what’s unnecessary, and begin taking notes. I use the Zettelkasten method for note-taking, which helps me organize thoughts and ideas for writing. This method not only aids in synthesizing complex information but also allows me to create meaningful connections between ideas, making the writing process more effective.
Each tool fits into my overall process to create a seamless workflow that improves efficiency and more robust research outputs. I’ve collected over 3,100 articles on various topics, making it much easier to dive into any of my projects when needed.
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