Skip to main content
Glama
SMABoundless

semantic-scholar-mcp-server

by SMABoundless

author_batch

Retrieve up to 1000 author profiles in a single request, reducing the need for repeated API calls and improving efficiency.

Instructions

Retrieve profiles for multiple authors in a single request (up to 1000). More efficient than calling author_get repeatedly.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
fieldsNoComma-separated fields to return, overriding defaults. Paper fields: paperId, title, abstract, authors, year, citationCount, referenceCount, influentialCitationCount, isOpenAccess, openAccessPdf, fieldsOfStudy, externalIds, url, venue, publicationVenue, publicationTypes, publicationDate, journal, citations, references. Author fields: authorId, name, affiliations, homepage, paperCount, citationCount, hIndex.
author_idsYesList of Semantic Scholar Author IDs to retrieve (1-1000).
response_formatNoOutput format: 'markdown' for human-readable text (default), 'json' for raw structured datamarkdown
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It correctly implies read-only behavior ('Retrieve') and mentions the batch size limit, but does not disclose error handling, side effects, or what happens with missing IDs. Adequate but not thorough.

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?

Two sentences, front-loaded with core purpose, no wasted words. Efficient and structurally sound.

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

Completeness4/5

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

Given the tool's complexity (3 params, 100% coverage, no output schema), the description is fairly complete. It covers purpose and efficiency advantage, but could mention output structure or error recovery. Still, it suffices for common usage.

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 baseline is 3. The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides for parameters. No extra context on fields or response_format.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description clearly states the tool retrieves profiles for multiple authors, specifies the batch limit (1000), and distinguishes from sibling author_get by highlighting efficiency. The verb 'Retrieve' and resource 'multiple authors' are specific.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description explicitly says when to use: when you need multiple author profiles more efficiently than calling author_get repeatedly. It implies author_get for single authors but lacks explicit when-not or alternatives. Still clear and helpful.

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

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/SMABoundless/semanticscholar-mcp-server'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server