Search DOL Datasets

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

No annotations are provided. The description discloses that no API key is needed, but it does not mention whether the operation is read-only, idempotent, or has any side effects. For a search tool, these are minimal behavioral cues.

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 two short sentences with no redundant information. Every element serves a purpose—stating the action and a key access note. No wasted 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 and no annotations, the description is minimal. It lacks details about return format, pagination behavior, or which dataset metadata fields are searchable. An agent may not have enough context to use the tool effectively among many sibling search tools.

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?

All three parameters (limit, agency, search) are fully described in the input schema (100% coverage). The description adds no additional meaning or context beyond what the schema already provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.

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 tool searches the public DOL v4 datasets catalog. The verb 'search' and resource are specific. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling search tools like lca_search or osha_inspection_search, which all target different data sources.

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 only notes that no API key is required, which is a usage prerequisite. It provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no context on typical use cases, and no exclusion criteria.

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