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chepetime

Calibre Librarian MCP Server

by chepetime

List sample books

list_sample_books
Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve a sample list of books from your Calibre library, with an option to limit the number of results.

Instructions

List a few books from the configured Calibre library using calibredb list.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMaximum number of rows to return from the Calibre library.
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds only the implementation detail 'using calibredb list', which provides minimal extra transparency. No contradictions with annotations.

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 sentence of 12 words, extremely concise and front-loaded with the core action. Every word is necessary and there is no wasted verbiage.

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 low complexity, the description lacks essential context such as what the output looks like (e.g., returned fields, format) and how 'sample books' are selected (e.g., random or first N). With no output schema, the description should fill this gap but does not.

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 coverage is 100%, so the input schema already fully documents the single parameter 'limit' with default and description. The description adds no additional semantic value beyond what the schema provides.

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?

Clearly states the verb 'list' and resource 'sample books from the configured Calibre library', making the tool's action unambiguous. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like search_books or get_book_details, so it falls short of a perfect 5.

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 alternatives. It does not mention context, limitations, or exclusions, leaving the agent to infer usage without any explicit framing.

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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