zotero

Manage Zotero libraries via REST API for search, export, and PDF handling.

1|Updated Feb 1, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/xukrutdonut/openclaw-skills --skill zotero
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: zotero
Source: https://github.com/xukrutdonut/openclaw-skills/tree/main/zotero
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/xukrutdonut/openclaw-skills --skill zotero

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines the management of Zotero reference libraries by interfacing with the REST API to perform common scholarly workflows—searching, listing, adding items by DOI/ISBN/PMID, updating metadata and tags, exporting bibliographies, batch imports, and PDF handling—reducing manual steps and enabling scripting.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Manage Zotero libraries via REST API: search, list, add, update, and export references.
  • Support for DOIs/ISBNs/PMIDs with optional duplicate detection and collection tagging.
  • Export formats include BibTeX, RIS, and CSL-JSON; batch import from text files for bulk operations.
  • Cross-reference citations, check PDFs, and fetch/open-access PDFs for items.
  • JSON output mode for scripting and automation via the --json flag.

Quick Start

Use the Zotero skill to add a paper by DOI: python3 zotero.py add-doi 10.1093/jamia/ocaa037 List the top items: python3 zotero.py items --limit 5

Frequently Asked Questions about zotero

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I automate adding references to a Zotero library using a DOI?

You can automate adding references to a Zotero library by running a script that uses the Zotero REST API to add items directly via DOI, ISBN, or PMID. This requires your ZOTERO_API_KEY and a user or group ID for authentication.

Can I export my Zotero bibliography to BibTeX or RIS formats programmatically?

Yes, you can export your Zotero bibliography programmatically. The Skill communicates with the Zotero REST API to export references into BibTeX, RIS, and CSL-JSON formats, outputting JSON for scripting.

What do I need to manage my Zotero library via the REST API?

To manage your Zotero library via the REST API, you need a ZOTERO_API_KEY and a user or group ID for authentication. The solution operates using Python standard libraries to communicate with Zotero's endpoints.

How do I batch import references into Zotero from a text file?

You can batch import references into Zotero from a text file by using the Skill's bulk import functionality. It interfaces with the Zotero REST API to process multiple entries automatically.

Does this Zotero automation approach support fetching open-access PDFs?

Yes, the Zotero automation approach supports fetching open-access PDFs. It can cross-reference citations via CrossRef, check existing PDFs, and retrieve open-access PDFs for your library items.

Are there limitations to managing Zotero collections with Python standard libraries?

The solution relies on Python standard libraries to communicate with Zotero's API endpoints, CrossRef, and optional translation services, so you are constrained by REST API rate limits and standard library capabilities.