zotero-mcp

Search Zotero papers via semantic, keyword, tag, and full-text queries.

13|3|Updated Oct 24, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/kerim/zotero-mcp-skill --skill zotero-mcp
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: zotero-mcp
Source: https://github.com/kerim/zotero-mcp-skill/tree/main/
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/kerim/zotero-mcp-skill --skill zotero-mcp

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill eliminates the time-consuming manual process of searching through academic papers by teaching Claude to perform intelligent, multi-strategy searches across your entire Zotero collection.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Context-Aware Intelligence: Automatically adapts search strategies for Claude Desktop (safe batched searches) vs Claude Code (autonomous agents).
  • Comprehensive Discovery: Combines semantic, keyword, tag-based, and full-text searches to find relevant papers you might otherwise miss.
  • Logseq Integration: Automatically formats bibliographies as plain markdown outlines with Chinese-English translations, ready for your knowledge base.

Quick Start

Find all papers in my Zotero library about embodied cognition and format them as a Logseq bibliography.

Frequently Asked Questions about zotero-mcp

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I search my Zotero library for relevant papers using AI?

Multi-strategy semantic and keyword search across Zotero libraries locates papers by combining semantic matching, keyword queries, tags, full-text, and annotation searches. The Skill applies environment-aware search strategies—batched for Claude Desktop, autonomous for Claude Code—then outputs results as markdown bibliographies with Chinese-English translations for Logseq integration.

Can I automate research discovery across my entire Zotero collection?

Yes. Autonomous agent-driven multi-step searches systematically explore your Zotero collection using iterative refinement across multiple search angles. The Skill detects your environment and adapts its approach, producing formatted markdown outlines ready for knowledge management systems.

Does this work with Claude Desktop and Claude Code, or just one?

The Skill works with both. Claude Desktop performs safe batched searches; Claude Code enables autonomous agents to conduct multi-step searches independently. Environment detection automatically selects the appropriate strategy and search depth for each platform.

What output format does the Skill produce for my knowledge base?

Plain markdown outlines with bilingual Chinese-English translations optimized for Logseq. Results include bibliographic metadata and structured formatting suitable for direct import into knowledge management and research organization systems.

Can I find papers by tags, full-text, and annotations, or only by keywords?

Comprehensive discovery combines semantic searches, keyword queries, tag-based filtering, full-text indexing, and annotation matching. This multi-angle approach surfaces relevant papers you might miss with single-strategy search alone.