zotero_add_item_relation

Add a related item relationship to a Zotero item. Creates a bidirectional link between two items.

SERVERZotero MCP SOURCEpypi:zotero-mcp-server

Medium RISK CLASS

Category Write

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Rate-limitedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/54yyyu-zotero-mcp/zotero-add-item-relation.md

WHAT IT DOES

What zotero_add_item_relation does on Zotero MCP

AI agents use zotero_add_item_relation to create or update resources in Zotero MCP, usually the action step of a workflow, after the agent has gathered context. Every call changes real data in your Zotero MCP environment.

RISK

Why zotero_add_item_relation is rated Medium

This tool modifies the Zotero library by creating new relationship metadata between existing items. It is a reversible write operation (relationships can be removed) with no destructive or financial implications. The blast radius is minimal: incorrect relationships are easily corrected, and no data is deleted or external systems triggered.

From the tool's definition Tool adds a relationship link between two items in Zotero—"Add a related item relationship" creates bidirectional metadata connections.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs zotero_add_item_relation safely

PolicyLayer is an MCP gateway: it sits between your AI agents and Zotero MCP, and checks every tool call against a rule you set before the call runs. Nothing changes on the server itself. For zotero_add_item_relation, this is the rule to start with:

zotero_add_item_relation Rate-limited

zotero_add_item_relation stays usable, but capped: an agent stuck in a loop can't make hundreds of changes a minute. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "zotero_add_item_relation": {
      "limits": [
        {
          "counter": "zotero_add_item_relation_rate",
          "window": "minute",
          "max": 30,
          "scope": "grant"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}

LIMIT THIS TOOL → Instant setup, no code required.

The button opens the PolicyLayer dashboard: create your workspace, connect Zotero MCP, apply this rule, and every zotero_add_item_relation call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about zotero_add_item_relation

What does the zotero_add_item_relation tool do? +

Add a related item relationship to a Zotero item. Creates a bidirectional link between two items. It is categorised as a Write tool in the Zotero MCP MCP Server, which means it can create or modify data. Consider rate limits to prevent runaway writes.

How do I enforce a policy on zotero_add_item_relation? +

Register the Zotero MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for zotero_add_item_relation: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Zotero MCP. Nothing to install.

What risk level is zotero_add_item_relation? +

zotero_add_item_relation is a Write tool with medium risk. Write tools should be rate-limited to prevent accidental bulk modifications.

Can I rate-limit zotero_add_item_relation? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the zotero_add_item_relation rule in your PolicyLayer policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block zotero_add_item_relation completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for zotero_add_item_relation. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides zotero_add_item_relation? +

zotero_add_item_relation is provided by the Zotero MCP server (pypi:zotero-mcp-server). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

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