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killgfat

Zotero Cli

by KGTAF · GitHub ↗ · v0.1.0
cross-platform ✓ Security Clean
1345
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0
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3
Active Installs
2
Versions
Install in OpenClaw
/install zotero-cli
Description
Command-line interface for Zotero - search your Zotero library, add/edit notes, read attachments, and manage bibliographic references from the terminal.
Usage Guidance
This skill is internally consistent with a Zotero CLI: it uses Python and installs via pip/pipx, and includes helper scripts for searching, exporting, backup, and update checks. Before installing or running: 1) verify the upstream repository (the SKILL lists a GitHub homepage) and that the package on PyPI/GitHub matches what you expect; 2) inspect the scripts (setup_and_check.sh, backup_restore.sh, update_check.sh) because they can run installation and networking operations and backup your config — backup_restore.sh explicitly stores ~/.config/zotcli/config.ini which contains your Zotero userID/API key, so ensure backups are written to a secure location with restrictive permissions; 3) prefer pipx or a virtualenv rather than system pip, and avoid dangerous flags like --break-system-packages; 4) if you plan to automate (cron) or run update checks, review those scripts to confirm what network endpoints they contact (PyPI/GitHub are expected) and whether they perform upgrades automatically. If you want extra assurance, review the actual script contents (they're included) or run them in a disposable VM/container first.
Capability Analysis
Type: OpenClaw Skill Name: zotero-cli Version: 0.1.0 The OpenClaw AgentSkills skill bundle for 'zotero-cli' is classified as benign. All scripts and documentation are clearly aligned with the stated purpose of managing Zotero references via a command-line interface. Risky capabilities such as `sudo` are used for legitimate system package installations (e.g., `pipx`, `pandoc`) within setup and update scripts (`setup_and_check.sh`, `update_check.sh`). Network calls are limited to fetching version information from PyPI and GitHub, and an example of `scp` for sharing bibliographies, all of which are transparent and serve the tool's intended functionality. There is no evidence of intentional malicious behavior, data exfiltration to unauthorized endpoints, or prompt injection attempts against the agent to perform harmful actions.
Capability Assessment
Purpose & Capability
Name/description, required binaries (python3, zotcli/zotero-cli), pip/pipx install methods, and included helper scripts all align with a Zotero CLI tool. Required system access (Python, optional pandoc) is expected for this functionality.
Instruction Scope
SKILL.md and the scripts direct normal CLI actions: installing the package, running configuration (which prompts for Zotero userID/API key), searching, reading attachments, and backing up/restoring config. These instructions reference the expected config path (~/.config/zotcli/config.ini) and backup location (~/.zotero-cli-backups/) — this is coherent, but those scripts will read and store your API key and other config data, so review them before running to confirm behavior and permissions.
Install Mechanism
Install options are pip and pipx (pipx recommended) which are standard for Python CLIs. No downloads from untrusted URLs or obscure installers are specified. The README warns against dangerous pip flags (e.g., --break-system-packages).
Credentials
The skill requests no environment variables or external credentials in metadata. It legitimately requires the user to provide Zotero API credentials at runtime (via zotcli configure). No unrelated credentials or environment keys are requested by the skill.
Persistence & Privilege
always is false and the skill is user-invocable. It does not request persistent platform privileges or modify other skills. Scripts may suggest adding cron jobs or PATH entries (user-controlled actions) but those are optional and expected for automation.
How to Use
  1. Make sure OpenClaw is installed (local or Docker)
  2. Run the install command in chat: /install zotero-cli
  3. After installation, invoke the skill by name or use /zotero-cli
  4. Provide required inputs per the skill's parameter spec and get structured output
Version History
v0.1.0
- Simplified and condensed documentation for faster onboarding and reference. - Added concise Quick Start and Command Reference sections. - Moved detailed instructions, troubleshooting, and examples to dedicated markdown files. - Listed helper scripts and common workflows in organized tables. - Clarified installation, configuration, and usage steps for new users.
v0.0.1
- Initial release of zotero-cli, a command-line interface for Zotero reference manager. - Enables searching your Zotero library, adding and editing notes, reading attachments, and managing citations directly from the terminal. - Supports installation via pip, pipx (recommended for PEP 668-compliant systems), or system package managers. - Provides configuration options for note format, preferred editor, and library selection. - Includes scripts for quick searches, batch note management, and citation export.
Metadata
Slug zotero-cli
Version 0.1.0
License
All-time Installs 3
Active Installs 3
Total Versions 2
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Zotero Cli?

Command-line interface for Zotero - search your Zotero library, add/edit notes, read attachments, and manage bibliographic references from the terminal. It is an AI Agent Skill for Claude Code / OpenClaw, with 1345 downloads so far.

How do I install Zotero Cli?

Run "/install zotero-cli" in the OpenClaw or Claude Code chat to install it in one step — no extra setup required.

Is Zotero Cli free?

Yes, Zotero Cli is completely free (open-source). You can download, install and use it at no cost.

Which platforms does Zotero Cli support?

Zotero Cli is cross-platform and runs anywhere OpenClaw / Claude Code is available (cross-platform).

Who created Zotero Cli?

It is built and maintained by KGTAF (@killgfat); the current version is v0.1.0.

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