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mcp-zotero

Manage Zotero libraries via MCP for search, retrieval, creation, and organization.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
Search Tags:#zotero#bibliography#MCP#workflow-automation#reference-management#academic-research#library-management
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/nealcaren/sociology-writing-suite --skill mcp-zotero
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: mcp-zotero
Source: https://github.com/nealcaren/sociology-writing-suite/tree/main/plugins/sociology-writing-suite/skills/zotero
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/nealcaren/sociology-writing-suite --skill mcp-zotero

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill enables researchers and teams to manage Zotero libraries programmatically through the MCP server, unifying search, retrieval, creation, organization, and attachment tasks into a centralized workflow.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Hybrid control: Read data from a local Zotero instance and perform write operations via the web API for full reference management.
  • Collections, items, and attachments: Create and modify collections, add items, manage creators, and attach PDFs and notes.
  • Use Case: When preparing a literature review, orchestrate discovery, metadata capture, and bibliography construction across the MCP-connected Zotero library.

Quick Start

Verify the MCP Zotero connection with a health_check(). Then try a simple search: search_items(query="housing", limit=5). To add a reference, use add_item with fields for a journal article and optionally attach files.

Frequently Asked Questions about mcp-zotero

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate Zotero library management for literature reviews?▼

Automate Zotero library management by connecting an MCP server to handle search, retrieval, creation, and organization of references. This centralizes literature review workflows, allowing you to programmatically discover and capture metadata.

Can I search and add references to Zotero via an API?▼

Search and add references to Zotero via the web API by configuring an MCP connection. You can use search_items to find existing entries and add_item to create new journal article references with optional file attachments.

What do I need to configure before using an MCP server with Zotero?▼

Configure MCP with ZOTERO_LIBRARY_ID and either ZOTERO_LOCAL_KEY or ZOTERO_API_KEY. This setup enables hybrid operation, routing read tasks to local instances and write tasks to the web API for proper reference management.

Does Zotero MCP support hybrid read and write operations?▼

Zotero MCP supports hybrid operations by reading data from your local Zotero instance and performing write operations via the web API. This allows full reference management across collections, items, creators, and attachments.

How do I organize collections and attach PDFs in Zotero programmatically?▼

Organize collections and attach PDFs programmatically by sending MCP commands to create collections, add items, manage creators, and attach files. This automates bibliography construction and library organization for research projects.

What are the limitations of using MCP for reference management in Zotero?▼

Limitations include requiring proper MCP configuration with valid API keys for web write operations. Without ZOTERO_LOCAL_KEY or ZOTERO_API_KEY, the hybrid routing of local reads and web writes fails, preventing library access.

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