search-zotero

Search Zotero libraries for papers and return structured metadata with PDF paths.

Updated May 6, 2026

Search Tags:#zotero #semantic search #research papers #collections #academic search #pdf paths

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/Takfes/indie-scaffolder --skill search-zotero

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: search-zotero
Source: https://github.com/Takfes/indie-scaffolder/tree/main/components/agent-skills-commands/.agents/skills/search-zotero
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Takfes/indie-scaffolder --skill search-zotero

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Searches become slow when a Zotero library is large or organized into collections, and finding the right paper often means manually browsing titles and attachments.

Core Features & Use Cases

Semantic and collection-based search for papers by topic, author, year, keyword, or tags.
Structured results with titles, authors, publication years, Zotero attachment IDs, and absolute PDF paths.
Research workflow support for finding related work, reopening source PDFs, and browsing a specific collection such as a literature review folder.

Quick Start

Ask the assistant to find papers about a topic in your Zotero library and return the most relevant results with PDF paths.

Frequently Asked Questions about search-zotero

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

FAQPage Schema

How do I search my Zotero library for research papers by topic and author?▼

You can search your Zotero library by topic, author, year, keyword, or tag using semantic and collection-based search. The Skill retrieves the most relevant matches and returns structured paper metadata, including titles, authors, and publication years.

Can I get the PDF file paths for attachments found in my Zotero collections?▼

Yes, you can get absolute PDF paths for attachments. Search results include structured paper metadata with Zotero attachment IDs and absolute PDF paths, allowing you to easily locate and reopen source PDFs on your local drive.

How do I find related work for a literature review without manually browsing Zotero?▼

To find related work without manual browsing, use semantic search to query your Zotero library by topic or keyword. It supports research discovery workflows by retrieving relevant matches and resolving specific collections like a literature review folder.

What happens when semantic search is unavailable or paper metadata is missing in Zotero?▼

When semantic search is unavailable or paper metadata is missing, the Skill applies fallback handling. This ensures your Zotero academic search continues to function and returns the best available structured results without failing.

Does this Zotero search tool work with large local libraries organized into collections?▼

Yes, it is designed for large local libraries organized into collections. It speeds up finding the right paper by applying semantic search and returning structured results with attachment IDs and PDF paths, eliminating slow manual browsing.

What is the best way to resolve a specific Zotero collection and retrieve its papers?▼

The best way to resolve a specific Zotero collection is to query it directly by name or tag. The Skill performs collection resolution and retrieves matching papers with structured metadata, attachment IDs, and absolute PDF paths.