Zotero Skills plugin
A skill that manages a Zotero library from the terminal: search, adding, notes, collections and merging duplicates.
- 78 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- A web API key with write access lets the agent change and delete items in your library
Install
- Works in
Manual install
claude plugin marketplace add WenyuChiou/ai-research-skillsThe first of two commands. Then install the `zotero-skills` plugin.
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- A web API key with write access lets the agent change and delete items in your library
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
The skill gives an agent a full set of operations on a Zotero library. Reads go through the fast local API on port `23119` and writes through the Zotero web API, with a web-only mode and automatic check when the desktop client is unavailable. The agent searches by text and tags, creates articles, books, papers and reports with metadata, edits tags, files items into collections and writes notes. The skill can also merge duplicates although the web API has no such call: `ZoteroDualClient.merge_duplicates()` moves attachments, unites collections and tags and adds a `dc:replaces` relation. PDF attachment goes through a short safe filename, and when hunting for a missing PDF the agent acts only with user consent.
Who it is for. Researchers and students who keep a library in Zotero and want to handle sources, tags and notes through an agent instead of the mouse.
Good fit when
- The library has piled up duplicates that must be merged while keeping attachments and tags.
- Structured reading notes are created for a dozen articles in one action.
- Items are filed into a hierarchy of collections and tagged in a batch.
- A PDF must be attached to an item even when the file path is long and has spaces.
Not a fit when
- The library is not in Zotero: the skill works with its API only.
- You do not want to issue a web API key with write access: only reading will remain.
- Searching Scopus or Web of Science is needed: the skill manages an already collected library only.
Example request
Find duplicate papers about agents in my library and merge them, keeping tags and attachments.Limitations
Writing needs a Zotero web API key and library ID, the key should have minimal rights and write access is enabled only when needed. The Zotero desktop client is needed for fast local reading, without it web-only mode remains. Python and the `pyzotero` package are required. Deleting items, notes and collections affects the real library, so a backup is made before batch edits. The Zotero MCP server stays a separate setup and stays read-only. The license is MIT.
How to disable. Uninstall the plugin with `claude plugin uninstall zotero-skills` and revoke the web API key on the Zotero keys page. The library itself does not change when the plugin is removed.
FAQ
How do I get a Zotero key?
Create a key at `zotero.org/settings/keys` and enable write access only if needed. The library ID is on the same page.
Why do reads and writes use different paths?
Reading through the local API on port `23119` is faster, while writing is possible only through the web API.
Does it work without desktop Zotero?
Yes, in web-only mode. The skill checks the client itself and switches.
How do I merge duplicates?
Through `ZoteroDualClient.merge_duplicates()`: the method moves child items and unites collections, tags and relations.
Is there protection from API quota violations?
Yes, the `safe_api_call()` wrapper limits the request rate.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The README describes the dual-API architecture, operations on items, notes and collections, four non-trivial capabilities and marketplace installation.