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zotero-paper-reader

Retrieve and analyze academic papers from a Zotero library with citations and BibTeX export.

8|2|Updated Apr 9, 2026
Search Tags:#zotero#academic papers#literature search#bibtex#citation management#pdf retrieval
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/FuZhiyu/superRA --skill zotero-paper-reader
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: zotero-paper-reader
Source: https://github.com/FuZhiyu/superRA/tree/main/skills/zotero-paper-reader
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/FuZhiyu/superRA --skill zotero-paper-reader

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires pyzotero==1.13.0, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill removes the friction of finding, retrieving, reading, citing, and exporting academic papers from a Zotero library, including the complexity of local and Web API access.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Library Search and Retrieval: Search paper metadata or indexed full text, inspect item details, identify parent records, and locate PDF attachments.
  • Paper Analysis Workflow: Retrieve PDFs, delegate conversion to Markdown, and read papers strategically from metadata and introductory sections through targeted analysis.
  • Citations and Bibliographies: Export BibTeX, reuse Better BibTeX citekeys when available, insert citations into LaTeX or Markdown drafts, sync master bibliography files, and render formatted references.
  • Use Case: Find a paper by topic in Zotero, retrieve its PDF, convert it to Markdown, summarize its contribution, and add a consistent citation to a research draft.

Quick Start

Use the zotero-paper-reader skill to find a paper about your research topic in Zotero, retrieve its PDF, convert it to Markdown, summarize its main findings, and prepare a citation.

Frequently Asked Questions about zotero-paper-reader

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I search my Zotero library and retrieve PDF attachments for academic papers?▼

You can search Zotero library metadata or indexed full text to inspect item details, identify parent records, and locate PDF attachments. This Skill handles paper retrieval via the local or Web API using pyzotero.

Can I convert Zotero PDF attachments to Markdown for paper analysis?▼

Yes, the Skill retrieves PDFs from Zotero and optionally delegates conversion to Markdown using the mistral-pdf-to-markdown skill. It then reads papers strategically from metadata and introductory sections through targeted analysis.

How do I export BibTeX and insert citations into my research drafts from Zotero?▼

The Skill exports BibTeX, reuses Better BibTeX citekeys when available, inserts citations into LaTeX or Markdown drafts, syncs master bibliography files, and renders formatted references.

Do I need Better BibTeX to manage citations and bibliographies with Zotero?▼

Better BibTeX is optional but recommended for citekey preservation during BibTeX export. The Skill functions without it, but using Better BibTeX ensures consistent citation keys across your research drafts.

What's the best way to summarize an academic paper stored in my Zotero library?▼

Find the paper by topic in Zotero, retrieve its PDF attachment, convert it to Markdown, and the Skill summarizes its main findings and contribution while preparing a consistent citation for your draft.

Does zotero-paper-reader work with both local and Web API access for literature search?▼

Yes, the Skill supports Zotero access through both the local and Web API using pyzotero 1.13.0. This enables library searches, metadata inspection, and PDF retrieval regardless of your access method.

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