Zotero Research Assistant Skill
A skill that links the agent to your Zotero library through a local JSON CLI with no MCP server: search, PDFs, annotations, notes.
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Extended access
Why this level
- Reads your Zotero library, including PDFs, annotations and notes.
- Notes and tags are written through a Zotero API key after confirmation; the key sits in a local `.env`.
Install
- Works in
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add skills/zotero-research-assistant-skillDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- Reads your Zotero library, including PDFs, annotations and notes.
- Notes and tags are written through a Zotero API key after confirmation; the key sits in a local `.env`.
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
The skill gives Codex, Claude Code and other terminal-capable agents access to a real Zotero library. The agent reads `SKILL.md`, runs `scripts/zotero_cli.py` commands and builds its answer from what Zotero returned instead of guessing what a collection holds. Collections are resolved exactly: by key, name or a `parent/child` path. If a name is missing or ambiguous, the command fails instead of returning unrelated papers. Standalone PDFs with no parent record are counted separately, and child attachments are not duplicated. The agent writes notes and tags only after explicit confirmation in a later message and with a Zotero key that has write access.
Who it is for. Graduate students and researchers with a Zotero library who want to run a literature review with an agent and no separate server.
Good fit when
- A list of papers from a collection with subcollections and the path each was found through is needed.
- A paper is read through its PDF and annotations, and conclusions are phrased as question, method, result.
- Several works are compared by methods, data and limitations.
- A note or tags are added to a paper after reviewing the full text of the change.
Not a fit when
- You need an MCP server for a client without a terminal: the skill runs local commands.
- Zotero cannot run on the agent's machine and cloud mode does not suit you.
- Library writes must happen without confirmation: the skill does not allow that.
Example request
List the papers in the "Human-Computer Interaction" collection with its subcollections, report the resolved collection path and the total paper count.Limitations
Python 3.10 or newer and a terminal for the agent are required. For local mode Zotero 7 or newer must be running with the setting that lets other applications talk to it. Writing needs a Zotero API key with write access, stored in a local `.env`. The repository has no license file, so usage terms are not stated. One-sentence auto-install relies on the agent's permissions and asks for your approvals.
How to disable. Delete the skill folder from the agent's skills directory and the `.env` file with connection settings. Revoke the Zotero API key in your Zotero account if needed.
FAQ
Is a Zotero API key required?
Not for reading: the default local mode reads the library through the Zotero local API. A write-capable key is needed only for notes and tags.
What must I enable in Zotero?
In Settings, Advanced tab, allow other applications on this computer to communicate with Zotero. The app must be running.
How does this differ from a Zotero MCP server?
There is no server: the agent runs a deterministic CLI and receives JSON. Local, cloud and hybrid access are supported.
What happens if a collection name is ambiguous?
The command fails rather than substituting a similar one. Give the collection key or the full path.
Which versions are needed?
Python 3.10 or newer and a terminal for the agent. Zotero 7 or newer is needed for the local API and full-text index.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The repository describes a skill with no MCP, browser extension or background service. Answers rest on live Zotero data, and changes are written only after a programmatic confirmation.