zotero-search

Search local Zotero libraries and cross-reference citations with Semantic Scholar.

12|1|Updated Oct 18, 2025
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/urschrei/zotero_search_skill --skill zotero-search
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: zotero-search
Source: https://github.com/urschrei/zotero_search_skill/tree/main
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/urschrei/zotero_search_skill --skill zotero-search

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Searches the local Zotero library and enriches results by cross-referencing Semantic Scholar to surface related literature, discover citations, and identify references.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Local-library search: Query your Zotero collection to retrieve relevant papers and metadata.
  • Semantic Scholar cross-reference: Expand results with related literature, citations, and references from Semantic Scholar.
  • Research planning and discovery: Identify clusters, gaps, and reading lists across local and external sources to guide literature reviews.

Quick Start

Ask the AI to search your Zotero library for papers on a topic and retrieve related literature via Semantic Scholar.

Frequently Asked Questions about zotero-search

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I search my Zotero library and find related papers on Semantic Scholar?

You can search your local Zotero library and find related papers by using this Skill to cross-reference your local citations with Semantic Scholar. It queries your local collection and surfaces related literature, citations, and references from Semantic Scholar.

Do I need the Zotero desktop app running to search my local library and Semantic Scholar?

Yes, you need the Zotero desktop application running with local API access and a local port configured. This Skill uses the pyzotero CLI to perform deterministic searches and cross-reference results from your local library.

Can I retrieve citations and references for Zotero papers from Semantic Scholar?

Yes, you can retrieve citations and references for Zotero papers from Semantic Scholar. This Skill integrates your local library with Semantic Scholar to support citation exploration and the retrieval of related literature.

What is the best way to identify literature gaps across my Zotero collection and external sources?

The best way to identify literature gaps is to use this Skill for research planning and discovery. It identifies clusters and reading lists across your local Zotero sources and external Semantic Scholar results to guide literature reviews.

How does cross-referencing local Zotero libraries with Semantic Scholar work?

Cross-referencing works by querying your local Zotero library via the pyzotero CLI and then expanding the results using Semantic Scholar. This process surfaces related literature, discovers citations, and identifies references to enrich your local collection.

Are there limitations when using pyzotero to cross-reference Zotero with Semantic Scholar?

A limitation is that this Skill requires a running Zotero desktop instance with local API access and a local port. Without this local environment configured, the pyzotero CLI cannot perform the deterministic tasks needed to cross-reference results.