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cli-anything-zotero

Query and render Zotero library content via a CLI harness.

Updated May 7, 2026
Search Tags:#zotero#bibliography#cli#citation#library management#research workflows#local api
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/dawsonblock/JUDGE_ATLAS --skill cli-anything-zotero-dawsonblock
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cli-anything-zotero
Source: https://github.com/dawsonblock/JUDGE_ATLAS/tree/main/external/CLI-Anything-main/zotero/agent-harness/cli_anything/zotero/skills
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/dawsonblock/JUDGE_ATLAS --skill cli-anything-zotero-dawsonblock

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It reduces the friction of working with Zotero libraries and items by giving you a command-line interface that can query, export, and render citations using Zotero’s own local surfaces.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Local API–backed item search and retrieval: Inspect libraries, collections, items, attachments, notes, and children with deterministic CLI commands.
  • Citation and bibliography rendering: Generate properly formatted citations and bibliographies using Zotero’s Local API and installed CSL styles.
  • Context building for downstream analysis: Assemble structured context (optionally including notes and links) suitable for research assistants and LLM workflows.
  • Controlled constraints for safety and correctness: Some advanced operations require Zotero Local API enabled and depend on live GUI state, minimizing inconsistent results.

Quick Start

Run cli-anything-zotero item citation <item-key> --style apa --locale en-US --json to render an APA citation for a Zotero item key.

Frequently Asked Questions about cli-anything-zotero

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I generate citations from my Zotero library using the command line?▼

You can generate citations from a Zotero library by running a CLI command that specifies the item key, CSL style, and locale, rendering the formatted citation directly via Zotero's Local API.

Can I search Zotero collections and attachments locally without a web API?▼

Yes, you can query Zotero collections, items, attachments, and notes locally using deterministic CLI commands that interface directly with the Zotero desktop application's local surfaces.

Do I need Zotero Local API enabled to export bibliography files?▼

Yes, specific commands for citation and bibliography rendering require Zotero Local API availability, and certain write operations depend on the live GUI state to ensure correct results.

What is the best way to build structured context from Zotero notes for research workflows?▼

Assembling structured context from Zotero notes and links is handled by CLI commands that package library content into a format suitable for downstream analysis by research assistants and LLM workflows.

Why does my Zotero CLI query return inconsistent results during write operations?▼

Inconsistent results during certain write operations occur because the CLI enforces controlled constraints, requiring live GUI context and active library selection via session commands to maintain correctness.

How to select a specific Zotero library before querying items in a CLI session?▼

Library selection is enforced via session commands within the CLI, ensuring that all subsequent item searches, exports, and context assembly operations target the correct Zotero library.

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