Zotero Plugins Atlas
Plugins / Citing & writing

Scholar Sidekick

by mlava · github.com/mlava/scholar-sidekick-zotero

Verify a bibliography before importing it into Zotero — catch fabricated citations (real DOI + invented title), retractions, and missing open-access copies, then import only the clean items. Zotero 7–9. Thin client over the Scholar Sidekick API; no API key required.

Citing & writingImport & metadata
View source
Downloads a .xpi file (0.04 MB). In Zotero, open Tools → Plugins and install it from the file.
StarsPeople who starred the repository on GitHub: a rough measure of interest.
4
DownloadsAll-time downloads of its release files from GitHub. Installs from elsewhere aren't counted.
25
ContributorsPeople who have committed code to the repository.
1
LicenceThe licence the code is published under, as GitHub reports it.
MIT
B
Atlas gradeUse with care
because it uses the network; we couldn't tell where
Applies to v0.1.0, released 29 May 2026Code checked · tested installed in Zotero 9.0.6 on 27 Sep 2026
Doesn't work with the current Zotero (10)Works with Zotero 7, 8, 9.
What we found in the codeSets the gradeThe worst finding in these three areas sets the grade.
Code transparencyMinified (compressed) code; not yet checked against the published sourceThe developer uploaded the release file from the mlava account. We haven't yet checked whether this file matches the public source code.UnknownWe couldn't check this yet.
Updates
Updates come from scholar-sidekick.comZotero will update it on Zotero 9 to version 0.1.1 from scholar-sidekick.com (rated: Review the details)
Where your data goesUses the network; we couldn't tell whereMediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
No further detail for this area yet.
Powerful capabilitiesWorks with files on your computerLowLow concern: normal for plugins that do this job. Listed so you know.
Works with files on your computerlowLow concern.
Before you installShown, not gradedFacts to help you decide. They don't change the grade.
Works withZotero 7, 8, 9 · not 10, 11 betaDoesn't work with the current Zotero (10)MediumMedium concern: worth reading before you install. One medium finding makes the grade B.
Zotero 7 ✓ worksZotero 8 ✓ worksZotero 9 ✓ worksZotero 10 ✗ doesn't workZotero 11 beta ✗ doesn't work
What you'll needAn API key for some featuresDetected automatically from its code
No further detail for this area yet.
MaintenanceActive · last release 29 May 20261 contributor
No further detail for this area yet.
LanguagesDocumentation in EnglishInterface language not declared
No further detail for this area yet.
We report what we found in the code. Open any area for the evidence.How we gradeReport a problem

What it does

Description coming soon. We haven't written a summary yet. The line above is the developer's own description; the developer's README is linked above.

What you'll need

Detected automatically
  • An API key for some featuresWorks without one: The anonymous tier of the Scholar Sidekick API (rate-limited per IP). Needs a key (Scholar Sidekick): A free first-party ssk_ key gives higher rate limits.
  • Zotero 7, 8, 9Not working with Zotero 10

Where your data goes

We found: uses the network; we couldn't tell where.

Forks and alternatives

No forks listed.

Plugins for the same job

The developer's response

The developer hasn't responded. Developers can reply here, and their reply sits next to our findings.I'm the developer
Install Scholar Sidekick
BUse with care
Before you install: It uses the network; we couldn't tell where.Read the finding
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