# How connectors work

Bring reference managers, cloud storage, team tools, and science databases into chat.

Connectors let the agent search the places your research already lives and cite them like any other source. Manage them in **Settings > Connectors**.

## Two kinds of connector [#two-kinds-of-connector]

* **Import connectors** copy files into your library, where they are indexed like uploads. Use **Resync** to pull in changes.
* **App connectors** query the live service each time you ask, so there is nothing to resync. If an action would change data in that service, Anara shows an approval card first; choose **Allow once** or deny it.

## What you can connect [#what-you-can-connect]

| Category             | Examples                                           |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Reference managers   | Zotero, Mendeley                                   |
| Cloud storage        | OneDrive, SharePoint, Dropbox                      |
| Notes and team tools | Notion, Slack, Microsoft Teams                     |
| Science databases    | PubMed, bioRxiv and medRxiv, ClinicalTrials.gov    |
| Life science data    | Protein Data Bank, ChEMBL, Open Targets, BioRender |

The list in **Settings > Connectors** is the current one, and some connectors need a paid plan. The help center has [the full list and plan requirements](https://support.anara.com/en/articles/14473245-connecting-your-research-tools-to-anara).

## Connect one [#connect-one]

1. Go to **Settings > Connectors**.
2. Find the service and click **Connect**.
3. Sign in and authorize Anara if asked. Science databases connect immediately with no login.
4. For import connectors such as Zotero, choose which collections or folders to bring in.

## Use it in chat [#use-it-in-chat]

Type `@` and pick the connector under **Sources**, or just ask: "Find the latest project brief in Notion." Combine connectors with Library and Web in one question, for example `@Zotero @Library`.

## Connect your own MCP server [#connect-your-own-mcp-server]

On Pro and above, you can add any service that offers a Model Context Protocol server.

1. In **Settings > Connectors**, under **MCP servers**, click **Add server**.
2. Paste the server URL. Anara detects how it authenticates.
3. Click **Connect** and sign in if prompted.

## If a connector stops working [#if-a-connector-stops-working]

Reconnect it from **Settings > Connectors**; authorizations expire. If it is missing from the `@` menu, confirm it shows as connected and refresh. Work or school Microsoft accounts may need admin approval.

Step-by-step walkthroughs for [Zotero](/use-cases/zotero-library-sync), [Mendeley](/use-cases/connector-mendeley), [OneDrive](/use-cases/connector-onedrive-sharepoint), and [Notion](/use-cases/connector-notion) are in Use cases.