Getting Started
Quick Start Checklist
Your roadmap to implementing the Research Memex approach - from setup to advanced workflows
Welcome to Research Memex implementation! This page is your navigation hub for setting up tools, understanding concepts, and building your AI-powered research workflow.
Tip
New here? Start with Core References to understand the approach, then move through Essential Setup → AI Environment → Agentic Tools as you're ready.
Note
About Our Tool Selection: The tools below are pedagogical instruments, not prescriptions — chosen to teach you how to evaluate and work with any AI toolchain.
Implementation Roadmap
Core References - Understand Before Building
Start here to understand the methodology before setting up tools:
- Cognitive Blueprint Prompts - Structured prompt templates
- AI Model Reference Guide - Model families, temperature settings
- Failure Museum - AI limitations and mitigation strategies
Why first? Understanding how to prompt, which models to use, and how AI fails will guide your entire setup.
Essential Setup - Get the Basics Working
Get API access:
- API Keys Setup Guide - OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, etc.
- Free tiers: Gemini CLI (no key!), Google AI Studio (generous daily limits)
Install foundational tools:
- Zotero - Reference management (MUST HAVE)
- Research Rabbit - Citation discovery
- Obsidian - Knowledge management (recommended)
- Zettlr - Academic writing (optional)
AI Environment - Enhance Capabilities
Install MCP servers (optional but powerful):
- MCP Explorer Guide - How to install MCPs
- Advanced MCPs: Sequential Thinking, Lotus Wisdom, Vox MCP
Add capabilities:
- OCR & PDF Conversion - Handle scanned papers
- CLI Tools Overview - Understand your options
Choose Your Agentic AI Tool
Pick based on your needs:
Beginner-friendly GUI:
- Cherry Studio - Multi-model interface, MCP support, Code Tools
Free & Powerful:
- Gemini CLI - 1M context, no API key, open source
Premium Power:
- Claude Code - Best reasoning, autonomous agents
Maximum Flexibility:
- OpenCode - 75+ providers, cost optimization
Explore Case Studies & Advanced Topics
Learn by example:
- Systematic Reviews Syllabus - 4-week course
- Sessions 2-4 show real workflows in action
Go deeper:
- Agentic Workflows - Multi-agent orchestration
- MCP deep dives (Sequential Thinking, Lotus Wisdom, Vox MCP)
Recommended Learning Paths
Goal: Systematic literature reviews, theory building
- Core References (all 3 pages)
- API Keys + Zotero + Research Rabbit
- Cherry Studio OR Claude Code
- Obsidian for notes
- Systematic Reviews case study
Tip
Start small! You don't need everything at once. Most researchers start with: Zotero + Cherry Studio + Google AI Studio (all free/cheap), then expand from there.
Next: Choose Your Tools
Ready to dive into specific setup guides?
Zotero Setup
Reference management (Required)
Cherry Studio
AI interface (Required)
Obsidian
Knowledge management (Recommended)