pyzotero

Manage Zotero libraries programmatically via the Zotero API using Python.

3|Updated Mar 11, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #research #api #zotero #python #bibliography #references

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/JunMA98/Computer-science-claude-skills --skill pyzotero-junma98

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: pyzotero
Source: https://github.com/JunMA98/Computer-science-claude-skills/tree/main/skills/pyzotero
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/JunMA98/Computer-science-claude-skills --skill pyzotero-junma98

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Pyzotero provides a Python wrapper around the Zotero API to manage bibliographic references programmatically, enabling automation of reference retrieval, updates, and organization across libraries.

Core Features & Use Cases

Read and write items, collections, tags, and attachments via the Zotero API to automate literature management in research workflows.
Manage both personal and group libraries, supporting common tasks such as importing citations, updating metadata, and exporting bibliographies.
Use case: automatically sync newly added papers from a Zotero library into a research workflow, or generate a structured report of references for a manuscript.

Quick Start

Create a short Python script using Pyzotero to connect to your Zotero library and print the titles of recent items.

Frequently Asked Questions about pyzotero

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I automate Zotero reference management with Python?▼

Automate Zotero reference management with Python by using a wrapper around the Zotero API to programmatically read, create, update, and delete items, collections, tags, and attachments across personal and group libraries.

What credentials do I need to connect Python to the Zotero API?▼

Connecting Python to the Zotero API requires your User ID, API Key, and Library Type. These credentials authenticate access to programmatically manage bibliographic references and retrieve item data.

Can I manage Zotero group libraries programmatically?▼

Yes, you can manage Zotero group libraries programmatically. The API wrapper supports reading, writing, and organizing items, collections, and tags across both personal and group libraries to streamline literature workflows.

How do I retrieve item metadata from Zotero using Python?▼

Retrieve item metadata from Zotero using Python by accessing the item['data'] interface exposed by the API wrapper. This allows you to read bibliographic references and helper methods support common operations for your workflow.

What is the best way to sync new papers from Zotero into a research workflow?▼

Sync new papers from Zotero into a research workflow by writing a Python script using the API wrapper to automatically retrieve recently added items, update metadata, and generate structured reports of references for manuscripts.