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zotero_add_by_doi

Add a publication to your Zotero library using a DOI, automatically fetching metadata like title, authors, and journal from CrossRef. Supports collections, tags, and optional PDF attachment.

Instructions

Add an item to the active Zotero library by DOI, resolving rich metadata (title, creators, journal, year, abstract) from CrossRef. Use this as the FIRST choice when the user gives you a DOI — cleaner metadata than zotero_add_by_url. For arXiv IDs or raw URLs use zotero_add_by_url; for a local PDF use zotero_add_from_file. doi: the DOI string (with or without the '10.' prefix, with or without a leading 'https://doi.org/'). collections: optional list of collection keys, names, or '/'-separated paths (e.g. '_project/topic') — resolved and validated before the item is created; unknown or ambiguous specs fail the call with suggestions instead of producing an unfiled item. tags: optional list of tag strings to attach. if_exists: 'duplicate' (default) always creates a new item; 'file' makes the call idempotent — when an item with this DOI already exists it is reused, filed into any missing collections and given any missing tags (nothing is ever removed); 'skip' leaves an existing match untouched. create_missing_collections: when True, collection specs that don't resolve are created (including path chains) instead of failing. attach_mode: 'auto' (default) downloads a PDF if CrossRef links one and storage is available; 'none' skips PDF download; 'required' fails if no PDF can be attached. PDF uploads may fail on the Zotero cloud free-tier 300MB quota — metadata still lands even when the upload fails. Requires a writable library (web API key or hybrid mode); fails in local-only mode. Remember to run zotero_update_search_database afterwards to make the new item searchable semantically. Example: zotero_add_by_doi(doi='10.1145/3708319', collections=['9SU943GB'], tags=['MCP']).

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
doiYes
collectionsNo
tagsNo
attach_modeNoauto
if_existsNoduplicate
create_missing_collectionsNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description fully discloses all behavioral traits: metadata resolution from CrossRef, DOI format flexibility, collection validation and path handling, if_exists behavior, PDF download behavior (auto/none/required), quota limitations, and library mode requirements. No contradictions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is thorough and front-loaded but slightly verbose. Every sentence adds value, though some could be more terse. Still, it earns its length by providing essential details without filler.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the 6 parameters and the presence of an output schema (no need to describe return values), the description covers all aspects: parameters, side effects, prerequisites, post-conditions, and edge cases. It is complete for the complexity.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It provides detailed explanations for all six parameters: doi flexibility, collections (keys, names, paths, validation), tags, attach_mode, if_exists, create_missing_collections. Includes an example call.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states it adds an item by DOI, resolves rich metadata from CrossRef, and explicitly distinguishes from sibling tools like zotero_add_by_url and zotero_add_from_file. It uses a specific verb ('add') and resource ('item to Zotero library by DOI').

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description explicitly says 'Use this as the FIRST choice when the user gives you a DOI' and provides alternatives for other cases (arXiv IDs/raw URLs → zotero_add_by_url; local PDF → zotero_add_from_file). It also advises running zotero_update_search_database afterwards.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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