publisher_directory

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It reveals the HTTP method (GET), public no-auth access, pagination behavior, and the fact that sample articles contain RAG-extended metadata. It lacks rate limit or error details, but for a public read-only browse tool the disclosure is strong.

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 compact and front-loaded with the primary purpose. Four sentences cover the function, return data, differentiation from a sibling, and use case. The bolded phrase highlights the tool's role without wasting words.

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?

Given no output schema, the description compensates by naming the returned fields (article counts, pricing, plan, sample articles). It also covers auth, pagination, filters, and the intended usage context. This is complete for a public GET tool with five parameters.

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 description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description recaps filters (category, min_articles, verified status) but does not add information beyond the schema. The schema already provides details like case-insensitivity and default behavior for verified.

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 the action (browse), the resource (Opedd publisher catalog), and what it returns (publishers with article counts, pricing, plan, sample articles). It explicitly distinguishes itself from the sibling tool browse_registry by noting the latter lists licenses, not publishers.

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?

It names browse_registry as the alternative and explains the difference, and further contextualizes when to use it: 'useful pre-purchase scoping before buyers commit to enterprise-license POST.' This is explicit when/why guidance.

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