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Clay-HHK
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pyzotero

Manage Zotero libraries programmatically via the Zotero Web API v3.

2|Updated Apr 12, 2026
Search Tags:#api#zotero#bibliography#references#attachments#export#pyzotero
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Clay-HHK/claude-config --skill pyzotero-clay-hhk
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pyzotero
Source: https://github.com/Clay-HHK/claude-config/tree/main/skills/pyzotero
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Clay-HHK/claude-config --skill pyzotero-clay-hhk

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Provide a programmatic interface to Zotero libraries so users can automate retrieval, creation, updating, deletion, and export of bibliographic items, collections, tags, and file attachments instead of performing these tasks manually through the web UI.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Read and Search Libraries: Retrieve items, collections, tags, and perform scoped or full-text searches across user and group libraries.
  • Create, Update, Delete & Export: Create and validate new items, update existing records with optimistic locking, delete items, and export citations in BibTeX, CSL-JSON, RIS and other formats.
  • Attachments & Pagination: Upload and download attachments, manage file dumps, and iterate large result sets using pagination helpers like everything() and follow().
  • Use Case: Automate syncing a research group's shared Zotero collection: bulk-import new papers, attach PDFs, update metadata, and export a formatted bibliography for a manuscript.

Quick Start

Use pyzotero to list all items in my Zotero library and export them as BibTeX entries.

Frequently Asked Questions about pyzotero

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate exporting Zotero references to BibTeX?▼

You can automate exporting Zotero references to BibTeX by programmatically retrieving items from your library and converting them to the BibTeX format. This allows bulk bibliography generation without manual web UI interaction.

Can I bulk upload and download attachments in Zotero libraries via the API?▼

Yes, you can bulk upload and download file attachments in Zotero libraries via the Web API v3. This enables automated management of PDFs and other files attached to bibliographic items.

Do I need a Zotero API key to manage my library programmatically?▼

Yes, you need Zotero Web API v3 credentials, specifically your library ID and API key, to programmatically authenticate and manage your user or group Zotero libraries.

What export formats are supported when retrieving Zotero citations?▼

Supported export formats for retrieving Zotero citations include BibTeX, CSL-JSON, and RIS. This allows you to format bibliographic items for integration with various reference managers and manuscript workflows.

How does pagination work when searching large Zotero libraries?▼

Pagination in large Zotero libraries is handled using helper functions like everything() and follow(). These tools iterate through large result sets automatically, ensuring all matching items are retrieved without missing data.

What happens when updating Zotero items encounters version conflicts?▼

Updating Zotero items uses optimistic locking to handle version conflicts, preventing simultaneous overwrites. The system manages these errors to ensure data integrity during automated library synchronization.

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