Zotero MCP Server (Cookjohn)
Zotero library metadata and full-text access for AI assistants via MCP.
Data last scanned today · Reviewed today
Overview
The Zotero MCP server provides a bridge between the Zotero reference management system and AI agents, enabling direct interaction with your literature library. By utilizing a Zotero plugin that hosts an integrated MCP server, it allows AI clients to navigate collection hierarchies, perform semantic and multi-dimensional searches, and extract content from PDFs and web snapshots. Beyond basic retrieval, the server supports advanced literature workflows including annotation analysis, citation management, and metadata updates. It enables users to perform write operations like creating new notes and tags, as well as accessing full-text content through a cached database, transforming Zotero into an active knowledge base for your AI assistant.
Our verdict
With a security score of 50/100, this project is classified as high-risk. The implementation has not yet undergone editorial review for its OAuth or authentication methods, and the read-only mode capabilities remain unverified, which presents significant security implications for a tool that supports write operations to your local library. Prospective users should be aware that this is a community-maintained project rather than an official vendor release.
- Supports advanced semantic search via embedding vectors.
- Zero direct dependencies reduce the supply-chain surface area.
- Integrated Zotero plugin architecture streamlines the connection process.
- Facilitates complex write operations like metadata updates and note creation.
- Security architecture has not yet received an editorial review.
- Authentication and OAuth implementations lack documented security verification.
- Read-only mode status is currently unverified for safe integration.
- Lacks official maintenance or support from the Zotero organization.
Tools
| Tool | Description | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| search_library | Advanced library search with multi-dimensional filtering, boolean operators, relevance scoring, and intelligent mode control. | low |
| search_annotations | Search annotations by query, colors, or tags with intelligent ranking. | low |
| search_fulltext | Full-text search across all document content with context snippets. | low |
| search_collections | Search collections by name. | low |
| get_item_details | Get complete metadata for a single item. | low |
| get_item_abstract | Get item abstract/summary. | low |
| get_content | Unified content extraction: PDF full-text, notes, abstracts, webpage snapshots from items or specific attachments. | low |
| get_collections | Get all collections. | low |
| get_collection_details | Get details of a specific collection. | low |
| get_collection_items | Get items in a collection. | low |
Compatibility
| Client | Local | Docker | Remote | Read-only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Desktop | ||||
| Cursor | ||||
| VS Code | ||||
| Windsurf | ||||
| ChatGPT |
Frequently asked questions
›What versions of Zotero are supported?
This plugin requires Zotero 7.0 or higher.
›Do I need to install a separate MCP server application?
No. The Zotero plugin includes an integrated MCP server, which eliminates the need for running a separate server process.
›How do I configure the connection between the plugin and my AI client?
You can generate the required configuration directly from the Zotero plugin's preferences by clicking the 'Generate Client Configuration' button after enabling the server.
›What communication protocol does the integrated server use?
The server uses the Streamable HTTP protocol to enable real-time bidirectional communication with AI clients.
›What are the default port settings for the server?
The default port for the integrated MCP server is 23120, though you can modify this within the plugin's preferences.
Alternatives
Changelog
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