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Zotero Agent

by 54yyyu · github.com/54yyyu/zotero-mcp

Connects your Zotero library to AI assistants through an MCP server and a command-line tool.

Zotero Agent has Atlas grade C (not recommended) because it installs and runs npm or PyPI packages without a fixed version. It works with Zotero 7–10, 11 beta. Last checked 6 Nov 2026.

AI & summariesOrganising & tags
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.2 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
In useAn estimate of how many copies of Zotero have it: Zotero downloads each new version once for every copy that has the plugin, so we count the downloads of its most-downloaded recent release. Rounded. Plugins that update from outside GitHub count low.
3.1k
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub, counting every update. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
6,314
ReleasesVersions published on GitHub. Everyone who has the plugin downloads each one again, which adds up in Downloads.
36
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
5,762
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
116
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
MIT
C
Atlas gradeNot recommended
because it installs and runs npm or PyPI packages without a fixed version
Applies to v0.15.2, released 1 Nov 2026Code checked · not yet tested in a live Zotero
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyMinified (compressed) code, uploaded by the project's automated GitHub buildThe release file was uploaded by the project's automated GitHub build. We haven't yet rebuilt it from the source to compare.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Updates
Updates come from this project's GitHub repositoryThe update address offers this version
Where your data goesOnly contacts services we could identify2 addresses in 1 group.LowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
AI services (2)
Claude Code (Anthropic)Codex CLI (OpenAI)
Powerful capabilitiesInstalls and runs npm or PyPI packages without a fixed version, and 7 moreHighHigh concern: a serious problem. One high finding makes the grade C.
High concern (1)
Installs and runs npm or PyPI packages without a fixed version
Medium concern (1)
Launches programs on your computer
Low concern (6)
Changes Zotero settings that aren't its ownUses the clipboardDownloads and runs uv's installer when you press Install zotero-cli, if you don't have uvTurns on Zotero's local API, so programs on this computer can read your libraryWorks with files on your computerUses Zotero's password manager
Where we found it
Installs and runs npm or PyPI packages without a fixed versionpanel.js · line 392

zotero-mcp-server: installs the newest version each time

,"--force","zotero-mcp-server"]]);let s=await ge(r,t,"python3");if(s&&i.push([s,["-m","pip","install","--user","--upgrade","zotero-mcp-server"]]),!i.length){yield"No installer found. Install uv (https
Launches programs on your computerpanel.js · line 401
in","/bin","/usr/sbin","/sbin"];function vs(){return ChromeUtils.importESModule("resource://gre/modules/Subprocess.sys.mjs").Subprocess}var Zn=()=>Services.appinfo.OS==="WINNT",bs=r=>`${Services.env.g
Downloads and runs uv's installer when you press Install zotero-cli,…panel.js · line 392

It comes straight from Astral, who make uv, over an encrypted connection, as it would if you installed it yourself. If you don't have uv, pressing Install zotero-cli in its setup checklist runs uv's install script, then uses uv to install the zotero-mcp-server package, which is listed as its own finding. The checklist item says it installs uv too; the README only shows the manual command. We reviewed version 0.15.0; this release has the same code.

om astral.sh first.",n=(yield*Za(r,{...t,UV_NO_MODIFY_PATH:"1"},"/bin/sh",["-c","curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh"],e))===0?await ge(r,t,"uv",Ln(t)):null);let i=[];n&&i.push([n,["tool",
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 betaUpdates automatically
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✓ worksZotero 11 beta ✓ works
What you'll needNothing extra detectedDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 1 Nov 2026116 contributors
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface language not declared
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Written by AI from the README

Connects your Zotero library to AI assistants through an MCP server and a command-line tool. It also adds a Zotero Agent chat panel that runs your own agent such as Claude Code or Codex next to the PDF. Searches by meaning, reads full text, annotates, adds papers and manages collections. Needs a Python install and an AI client.

Lets AI tools work on your actual library instead of pasted excerpts, with page citations that link back to the PDF.

What you'll need

Detected automatically

We haven't detected any setup requirements. That isn't the same as none: check the developer's README.

Where your data goes

We found: only contacts services we could identify. 2 addresses in 1 group.

AI services (2)
Claude Code (Anthropic)Codex CLI (OpenAI)

Other plugins that do this

Matched on what they do

For the same job, work with Zotero 10 and graded B or better. Closest match first.

  • B
    Zotero MCP for Claude Code

    Runs an MCP server inside Zotero so AI assistants can use your library.

    Matches “mcp server for claude” · 2,829 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
    Can use a local model
  • B
    Clautero

    Embeds Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode or Pi as a chat side panel in Zotero's right pane and in the reader.

    Matches “claude ai research assistant” · 124 downloads · Active · Zotero 7–10
  • B
    zotero-codex

    A sidebar in the item pane and PDF reader for discussing a paper with Codex.

    Matches “ai coding agent for papers” · 863 downloads · Active · Zotero 10
Compare all 4 side by side
How we pick these

By how closely what they do matches this plugin, using descriptions and the phrases people search with. Copies and forks of this plugin are listed under Forks and copies instead. No plugin pays to appear here.

Forks and copies

No forks listed.

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer

Ratings and reviews

What people who use it say. This is separate from the grade, which is what the code does, and never changes it.

No ratings yet.

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Install Zotero Agent
CNot recommended
We don't recommend itIt installs and runs npm or PyPI packages without a fixed version.
Better-graded plugins for the same jobA+ZoplicateA+Zutilo Utility for ZoteroA+Add Items from Text
Read what we found