datasets_goodreads_authors_item

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It states it 'Returns one crawled Goodreads author profile record,' which clarifies the output shape. However, it does not disclose potential errors (e.g., missing ID), read-only nature explicitly, or any rate limits. The additional context 'crawled' and 'from dataset' slightly enhances transparency beyond the schema.

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

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

The description is concise (two sentences) and front-loaded with the action. However, the first sentence ('Get a Goodreads author from dataset') is partially redundant with the second sentence, which already specifies 'from dataset'. Still, it is tightly written and avoids unnecessary detail.

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

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

For a simple one-parameter retrieval tool with no output schema, the description provides enough context: it names the dataset, the retrieval method, and the return type. It is complete for an agent to select and invoke correctly, though it could have clarified differences from the live `goodreads_author` tool or stated what happens when the ID is not found.

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

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

Schema coverage is 100% with the single `id` parameter fully described in the schema. The description adds no additional meaning beyond referencing 'id' and 'by id', so it falls to the baseline score for schema-sufficient parameters.

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

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

The description clearly states a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('Goodreads author from dataset'), and uniquely identifies the retrieval mechanism ('by id from dataset id enum value `goodreads-authors`'). It distinguishes this from live Goodreads tools like `goodreads_author` by emphasizing the crawled dataset source.

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

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

The description implies this tool is for fetching a specific author record by ID from the crawled dataset, which differentiates it from search/facet tools. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives or conditions for when to use this tool over other Goodreads author tools, leaving usage guidance implicit rather than explicit.

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