Zotero is open source software for organizing and citing research sources. While open source is commonly thought to prevent vendor lock-in and be morally superior, the key reasons Zotero is open source are to protect against extortion and allow for easy extensibility. As an open source project, Zotero relies on community support through its forums, where users are encouraged to ask questions respectfully and provide details to help others.

1. Why is Zotero Open Source and Why Does it
Matter?
Sebastian Karcher
Boston College, November 2012

2. Why Open Source
Common Reasons:
1. It’s morally superior
2. Protection against lock-in
But that’s not really why Zotero is open source

3. Why is Zotero Open Source?
Protection against extortion rackets
Easily extensible

4. Supporting Open Source
Community vs. customer model
Using the Zotero forums:
Don’t be intimidated - if you can’t figure something out, just ask
Don’t be rude
Provide plenty of details and follow up
Search, especially before you suggest a feature