Pyzotero

---
name: pyzotero
description: Interact with Zotero reference management libraries using the pyzotero Python client. Retrieve, create, update, and delete items, collections, tags, and attachments via the Zotero Web API v3. Use this skill when working with Zotero libraries programmatically, managing bibliographic references, exporting citations, searching library contents, uploading PDF attachments, or building research automation workflows that integrate with Zotero.
allowed-tools: Read Write Edit Bash
license: MIT License
compatibility: Requires Python 3.10+ and pyzotero 1.13+. Web API access needs a Zotero API key. Optional CLI and MCP extras require Zotero 7 with local API access enabled.
required_environment_variables: [{"name": "ZOTERO_API_KEY", "prompt": "Zotero API key.", "required_for": "full functionality"}, {"name": "ZOTERO_LIBRARY_ID", "prompt": "Zotero library id.", "required_for": "full functionality"}, {"name": "ZOTERO_LIBRARY_TYPE", "prompt": "Zotero library type: 'user' or 'group' (default 'user').", "required_for": "optional features"}]
metadata: {"version": "1.1", "skill-author": "K-Dense Inc.", "openclaw": {"primaryEnv": "ZOTERO_API_KEY", "envVars": [{"name": "ZOTERO_API_KEY", "required": true, "description": "Zotero API key."}, {"name": "ZOTERO_LIBRARY_ID", "required": true, "description": "Zotero library id."}, {"name": "ZOTERO_LIBRARY_TYPE", "required": false, "description": "Zotero library type: 'user' or 'group' (default 'user')."}]}}
---

# Pyzotero

Pyzotero is a Python wrapper for the [Zotero API v3](https://www.zotero.org/support/dev/web_api/v3/start). Use it to programmatically manage Zotero libraries: read items and collections, create and update references, upload attachments, manage tags, and export citations.

**Current upstream:** pyzotero 1.13.0 (PyPI, May 2026). Docs: [pyzotero.readthedocs.io](https://pyzotero.readthedocs.io/en/latest/).

## Authentication Setup

**Required credentials** — get from https://www.zotero.org/settings/keys:
- **User ID**: shown as "Your userID for use in API calls"
- **API Key**: create at https://www.zotero.org/settings/keys/new
- **Library ID**: for group libraries, the integer after `/groups/` in the group URL

Store credentials in environment variables or a `.env` file:
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