zotero-skill

Search Zotero libraries and export BibTeX or formatted citations via HTTP APIs.

Updated May 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/c-kraus/thws-skills --skill zotero-skill
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: zotero-skill
Source: https://github.com/c-kraus/thws-skills/tree/main/zotero-skill
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/c-kraus/thws-skills --skill zotero-skill

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Zotero workflows for finding papers, pulling metadata/abstracts, and exporting citations are often slow and require repeated context switching between tools and browser tabs.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Zotero library search & retrieval: Quickly search your local Zotero library and pull detailed item metadata (including abstracts) to avoid manual lookup.
  • Collections + export: List collections, export single items or whole collections as BibTeX, and generate formatted citations in common styles like APA or IEEE.
  • Optional write-back to Zotero: Add/update/delete items and create collections using Zotero Web API with credentials, or create items locally via the Connector API when Web API isn’t available.

Quick Start

Use zotero-skill to search your library and return top matching papers by asking: “Find papers in my Zotero library about large language models with the author Smith and give me BibTeX.”

Frequently Asked Questions about zotero-skill

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I search my Zotero library and export BibTeX citations?

Search your Zotero library and export BibTeX by querying items via the Zotero HTTP API, filtering by topic, author, tag, or DOI, and generating formatted citations like APA or IEEE.

Can I retrieve abstracts and metadata from Zotero without opening the app?

Retrieve abstracts and metadata directly from a running Zotero 7 instance using local API access with a Zotero-Allowed-Request header, avoiding manual lookups.

Do I need a Zotero Web API key to manage my research library?

A Zotero Web API key and user ID are only required for remote write operations like adding, updating, or deleting items; local reads and Connector API item creation work without them.

What's the best way to list and export Zotero collections?

List and export Zotero collections by using the HTTP API to retrieve collection lists, then exporting single items or entire collections as BibTeX or formatted citations in APA or IEEE styles.

Does Zotero API search work for writing back to my research library remotely?

Yes, the Zotero Web API supports remote write-back, allowing you to add, update, and delete items or create collections when authenticated with your API key and user ID.