How do I install Zotero?

Zotero is a local plugin. Install it using PyPI package: zotero-mcp-server and add the generated configuration snippet to your AI app's MCP config file. Then restart your AI app.

Is Zotero safe to use?

Zotero was flagged by MCP Marketplace's security scan, scoring 4.2/10 (high risk). It has 3 high or critical findings to review. Review the security report on this page carefully before installing it.

What credentials does Zotero need?

Zotero requires the following credentials or environment variables: ZOTERO_LOCAL, ZOTERO_API_KEY, ZOTERO_LIBRARY_ID, ZOTERO_LIBRARY_TYPE, ZOTERO_MCP_TOOLSETS. You can find setup instructions on the server detail page.

What AI apps work with Zotero?

Zotero uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and works with any MCP-compatible AI app, including Claude, ChatGPT / Codex, Gemini, Copilot, Cursor, and more.

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Zotero MCP Server

by 54yyyu

Developer ToolsUse Caution4.2MCP RegistryLocal

Free

Server data from the Official MCP Registry

Search, read, annotate, and add to your Zotero research library, local or web.

About

Search, read, annotate, and add to your Zotero research library, local or web.

Security Report

4.2

Use Caution4.2High Risk

Zotero MCP is a well-maintained research library integration server with generally sound security practices. Authentication is properly handled through environment variables and local API keys, and file operations are scoped to Zotero's data. However, several code quality and input validation concerns, combined with network access to external APIs (CrossRef, OpenAI, Gemini) and the ability to write to user's Zotero library, warrant a moderate risk rating. No critical vulnerabilities or malicious patterns detected. Supply chain analysis found 10 known vulnerabilities in dependencies (1 critical, 2 high severity). Package verification found 1 issue.

3 files analyzed · 18 issues found

Security scores are indicators to help you make informed decisions, not guarantees. Always review permissions before connecting any MCP server.

Permissions Required

This plugin requests these system permissions. Most are normal for its category.

File System Read

Reads files on your machine. Normal for tools that analyze or process local data.

File System Write

Writes or modifies files on your machine. Check that this is expected for the tool.

HTTP Network Access

Connects to external APIs or services over the internet.

env_vars

Check that this permission is expected for this type of plugin.

database

Check that this permission is expected for this type of plugin.

What You'll Need

Set these up before or after installing:

Read from the local Zotero desktop app instead of the web API. Requires Zotero 7+ with the local API enabled in Settings > Advanced.Optional

Environment variable: ZOTERO_LOCAL

Zotero Web API key from https://www.zotero.org/settings/keys. Only needed when ZOTERO_LOCAL is false, or for write operations in hybrid mode.Required

Environment variable: ZOTERO_API_KEY

Zotero user or group library ID. Only needed when ZOTERO_LOCAL is false, or for write operations in hybrid mode.Optional

Environment variable: ZOTERO_LIBRARY_ID

Whether ZOTERO_LIBRARY_ID refers to a personal or a group library.Optional

Environment variable: ZOTERO_LIBRARY_TYPE

Which optional tool groups to expose, as a comma-separated list. Every tool is sent to the model on each request, so optional capabilities are off by default. Use 'all' for the full surface, 'none' for core only, named groups (scite, duplicates, discovery, feeds, relations, libraries, search-admin, pdf-geometry) to add them, or a leading '-' to subtract.Optional

Environment variable: ZOTERO_MCP_TOOLSETS

How to Install

Add this to your MCP configuration file:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "io-github-54yyyu-zotero-mcp": {
      "env": {
        "ZOTERO_LOCAL": "your-zotero-local-here",
        "ZOTERO_API_KEY": "your-zotero-api-key-here",
        "ZOTERO_LIBRARY_ID": "your-zotero-library-id-here",
        "ZOTERO_LIBRARY_TYPE": "your-zotero-library-type-here",
        "ZOTERO_MCP_TOOLSETS": "your-zotero-mcp-toolsets-here"
      },
      "args": [
        "zotero-mcp-server"
      ],
      "command": "uvx"
    }
  }
}

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Zotero MCP Server

About

Security Report

Findings (18)Action required

Permissions Required

What You'll Need

How to Install

Reviews

No reviews yet

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