Zotero MCP integrates AI assistants with the Zotero reference manager via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It enables AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to directly search, query, and operate on a user's Zotero library, significantly enhancing academic research and writing efficiency. The project targets researchers, academics, and power users seeking to leverage AI for literature reviews, citation management, and research assistance.

How It Works

The project features a unified architecture comprising a Zotero plugin with an integrated MCP server. This server communicates with AI clients using the Streamable HTTP protocol, eliminating the need for a separate server process. This design provides a streamlined, efficient integration enabling real-time bidirectional communication between AI assistants and the local Zotero library.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Installation: Download the latest .xpi file from the project's Releases Page and install it via Zotero's Tools -> Add-ons. Restart Zotero.
• Configuration: Access the Zotero MCP Plugin tab in Zotero Preferences. Enable the server, configure the port (default 23120), and generate client configuration.
• Connection: Utilizes the Streamable HTTP protocol.
• Supported AI Clients: Claude Desktop, Cherry Studio, Cursor IDE, and custom implementations.
• Prerequisites: Zotero 7.0 or higher. For developers: Node.js 18.0+, npm/yarn, Git.
• Links: Releases Page (implied), Chinese README for detailed client instructions.

Highlighted Details

• Integrated MCP server supporting Streamable HTTP for real-time AI communication.
• Advanced search engine with filtering capabilities and AI-powered semantic search using embedding vectors (OpenAI, Ollama) with SQLite-vec indexing.
• Full-text extraction from PDF attachments and annotation retrieval.
• Robust tag search system supporting various query modes.
• Client Configuration Generator simplifies AI client setup.
• Local-only operation ensures complete data privacy.

Maintenance & Community

The project welcomes contributions via pull requests and issue reports. Community links are mentioned as "Wechat | MP | Forum" but without direct URLs.

Licensing & Compatibility

Licensed under the MIT License, which is permissive for commercial use and integration with closed-source applications. Requires Zotero 7.0+.

Limitations & Caveats

Requires Zotero version 7.0 or higher. No other explicit limitations are detailed in the provided documentation.