For each of my classes, I have a Zotero collection. For each of the assigned readings, I import an item and take notes on it. In class discussions, I then have access to my notes.

The problem is that by midway through the semester, I have dozens of items in my collection, and so it takes a lot of awkward fumbling around to find the few assignments for that day in class.

Too many Zotero items

My solution is to give each item a tag with the date it will be discussed in class. For example, items that will be discussed today I tag “2010-02-01.” After I filter the collection by that tag, I have list of just the items I need to refer to.

Just the readings for today

A simple solution, but it helps me.