MCP for Zotero vs MCP Server Zotero Dev

In-depth architectural comparison of the MCP for Zotero and MCP Server Zotero Dev MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

M

Choose MCP for Zotero when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore MCP for Zotero Details

Choose MCP Server Zotero Dev when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore MCP Server Zotero Dev Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	M MCP for Zotero Knowledge & Memory	MCP Server Zotero Dev Knowledge & Memory
Summary	Connect your Zotero reference library to AI assistants via Model Context Protocol.	MCP server enabling AI assistants to build, test, and debug Zotero plugins
Category & Scope	Knowledge & Memory	Knowledge & Memory

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-for-zotero": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "mcp-for-zotero"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-server-zotero-dev": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "install-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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