Paper Search MCP

search_scopus

Search the Scopus database for academic publications, filtering by year, author, journal, subject, and open access availability.

Instructions

Search the Scopus abstract and citation database (requires Elsevier API key)

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "query": "<query>"
    },
    "name": "search_scopus"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description
`year`	No	Year filter (e.g., "2023", "2020-2023")
`query`	Yes	Search query string
`author`	No	Author name filter
`journal`	No	Journal name filter
`subject`	No	Subject area filter
`maxResults`	No	Maximum number of results (max 25 per request)
`openAccess`	No	Filter for open access articles only
`affiliation`	No	Institution/affiliation filter
`documentType`	No	Document type: ar=article, cp=conference paper, re=review, bk=book, ch=chapter

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedDec 29, 2025

TDQS

C2.9/5.0

Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It only mentions the API key requirement but doesn't describe what the search returns (abstracts, citations, metadata), pagination behavior, rate limits, authentication scope, or error conditions. For a search tool with 9 parameters, this leaves significant behavioral aspects unexplained.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is a single, efficient sentence that communicates the core purpose and key prerequisite without any wasted words. It's appropriately sized and front-loaded with essential information, making it easy for an agent to parse quickly.

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given the complexity of a 9-parameter search tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is insufficient. It doesn't explain what results to expect (format, fields, limitations), how results are ordered, whether there's pagination, or how to interpret the various filters. The API key mention is helpful but doesn't compensate for the missing behavioral context.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents all 9 parameters thoroughly. The description adds no parameter-specific information beyond what's in the schema. The baseline score of 3 reflects adequate coverage through the schema alone, though the description contributes nothing additional about parameter usage or interactions.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the action ('Search') and target resource ('Scopus abstract and citation database'), making the purpose immediately understandable. It distinguishes from some siblings by specifying the Scopus database, but doesn't explicitly differentiate from other academic search tools like search_arxiv or search_pubmed beyond the database name.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus the many sibling search tools available. It mentions the requirement for an Elsevier API key, which is a prerequisite but doesn't help the agent choose between Scopus and alternatives like Google Scholar, PubMed, or other databases for different search scenarios.

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