What is the key difference between MCP for Zotero and Zotero MCP?

MCP for Zotero belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with cloud HTTP/SSE execution, while Zotero MCP belongs to the Knowledge & Memory category with local stdio execution.

How do I install MCP for Zotero or Zotero MCP in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are MCP for Zotero and Zotero MCP free or paid?

MCP for Zotero operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Zotero MCP operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

MCP for Zotero lists 0 tools with 1 views and 0 GitHub stars. Zotero MCP lists 0 tools with 0 views and 0 GitHub stars.

Can I use both MCP for Zotero and Zotero MCP together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install MCP for Zotero or Zotero MCP in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are MCP for Zotero and Zotero MCP free to use, or do they require API keys?

MCP for Zotero is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Zotero MCP operates under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both MCP for Zotero and Zotero MCP at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both mcp-for-zotero and zotero-mcp as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, MCP for Zotero has a Quality Score of 42 /100 ( Fair ) with 1 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars. Zotero MCP holds a Quality Score of 27 /100 ( Emerging ) with 0 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

MCP for Zotero vs Zotero MCP

In-depth architectural comparison of the MCP for Zotero and Zotero MCP 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.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

MCP for Zotero

Knowledge & Memory · Remote HTTP/SSE

Quality: 42/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Zotero MCP

Knowledge & Memory · Local stdio

Quality: 27/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose MCP for Zotero if you need specialized Knowledge & Memory tools running via a hosted cloud SSE transport. Choose Zotero MCP if your workspace requires Knowledge & Memory integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose MCP for Zotero when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Knowledge & Memory domain.
You prefer remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore MCP for Zotero Details

Choose Zotero MCP 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 Zotero MCP Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	M MCP for Zotero Knowledge & Memory	Z Zotero MCP Knowledge & Memory
Summary	Connect your Zotero reference library to AI assistants via Model Context Protocol.	Search, read, annotate, and add to your Zotero research library, local or web.
Category & Scope	Knowledge & Memory	Knowledge & Memory
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

MCP for Zotero Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Zotero MCP Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

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).

MCP for Zotero Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-for-zotero": {
      "url": "https://mcpforzotero.alejandroarnaud.dev"
    }
  }
}

Zotero MCP Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

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

Frequently Asked Questions

MCP for Zotero is categorized under Knowledge & Memory and uses a remote streaming HTTP/SSE transport. In contrast, Zotero MCP belongs to Knowledge & Memory using local stdio subprocess. Select MCP for Zotero when you need capabilities focused on knowledge & memory and Zotero MCP when you require tools for knowledge & memory.

More alternatives to MCP for Zotero More alternatives to Zotero MCP Knowledge & Memory category hub