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elsevier-mcp

elsevier-mcp

by chackchang
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
TypeScript
Remote

serial_title_retrieval

Look up a serial publication by ISSN to get publisher, subject areas, and CiteScore metrics. Provides accurate journal metadata for research.

Instructions

Retrieve detailed information about a specific journal or serial publication by its ISSN. Includes publisher, subject areas, and CiteScore metrics.

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": {
      "issn": "<issn>"
    },
    "name": "serial_title_retrieval"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
issnYesISSN of the journal (e.g. '0140-6736' for The Lancet, '0028-0836' for Nature).
viewNoResponse detail level.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv1.0.0

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It reveals what the response includes (publisher, subject areas, CiteScore), which is useful, but doesn't mention error behavior, authorization requirements, or whether the operation is read-only. While 'retrieve' strongly implies a safe read, the lack of any caveats about failures or access limits leaves some transparency gaps.

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, well-structured sentence that immediately states the purpose and inclusions. It contains no redundant words, fulfills its role without overwhelming the reader, and front-loads the essential action and target.

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?

For a tool with two parameters and no output schema, the description provides sufficient context to understand the tool's basic behavior. It lists the key data points returned, which helps set expectations. However, it doesn't explain the differences between the view options or mention what happens when an ISSN is invalid or not found, which are minor completeness gaps.

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?

The input schema describes both parameters (issn and view) with 100% coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description adds no additional meaning about how the parameters behave or how to format them. The mention of CiteScore metrics hints at the view enum but doesn't clarify when to use STANDARD vs ENHANCED vs CITESCORE, which would have added value.

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 action ('Retrieve detailed information'), the resource ('specific journal or serial publication'), and the identifier needed ('by its ISSN'). It also lists included content (publisher, subject areas, CiteScore), which distinguishes it from sibling tools like serial_title_search that likely handle searching rather than targeted retrieval.

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 makes the use case clear: you should use this tool when you have a specific ISSN and need detailed metadata. It implies a contrast with search functions, but doesn't explicitly name alternatives or when not to use it. Since the context is clear and no exclusions are needed for this straightforward retrieval operation, a score of 4 is appropriate.

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

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