zotero_list_libraries

A read tool on the Zotero MCP server.

SERVERZotero MCP SOURCEpypi:zotero-mcp-server

Low RISK CLASS

Category Read

Parameters 00 required

Recommended Allowedsee the rule below

Registry record Grade F, identity unverified Pull the record →

This record as markdown: /tools/54yyyu-zotero-mcp/zotero-list-libraries.md

WHAT IT DOES

What zotero_list_libraries does on Zotero MCP

AI agents call zotero_list_libraries to retrieve information from Zotero MCP without modifying anything. It is typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

RISK

Why zotero_list_libraries is rated Low

The tool lists available Zotero libraries, which is a query operation that retrieves metadata about the user's library structure with no side effects or modifications. No data is created, modified, deleted, or executed. The low severity reflects minimal blast radius—even if misused, it only exposes the existence and names of libraries the user has access to.

From the tool's definition Tool name 'zotero_list_libraries' indicates a listing/retrieval operation. Description is empty, but the naming pattern and sibling tools (search, fetch) on this server are all Read operations.

Attacks that exploit this kind of access

RECOMMENDED RULE

The rule that runs zotero_list_libraries 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_list_libraries, this is the rule to start with:

zotero_list_libraries Allowed

zotero_list_libraries is read-only, so it stays allowed. Everything else on the server is denied unless you say otherwise.

View as policy code

policy.json

{
  "version": "1",
  "default": "deny",
  "tools": {
    "zotero_list_libraries": {}
  }
}

ALLOW ONLY 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_list_libraries call is checked against it from then on.

FAQ

Questions about zotero_list_libraries

What does the zotero_list_libraries tool do? +

zotero_list_libraries is a read tool on the Zotero MCP server. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Zotero MCP MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on zotero_list_libraries? +

Register the Zotero MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for zotero_list_libraries: 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_list_libraries? +

zotero_list_libraries is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit zotero_list_libraries? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the zotero_list_libraries 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_list_libraries completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for zotero_list_libraries. 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_list_libraries? +

zotero_list_libraries 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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