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read_multiple_notes

Extract and view content from multiple note files at once by specifying their relative paths. Organize and reference your notes efficiently within the MCP Notes knowledge management system.

Instructions

Read the contents of multiple note files simultaneously. Specify paths relative to your notes directory (e.g., ['Log/2023-01-01.md', 'Rollups/2023-01-01-rollup.md']). Returns each file's content with its path as a reference.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathsYesArray of paths to note files, relative to your notes directory

Implementation Reference

  • Registration of the read_multiple_notes tool in the central handleToolCall dispatcher. It delegates execution to the imported handleReadMultipleNotes function.
    case "read_multiple_notes":
      return await handleReadMultipleNotes(notesPath, args);
  • The input schema for read_multiple_notes is provided via getFilesystemToolDefinitions() imported from filesystem.js and spread into the full list of tool definitions.
    export function getToolDefinitions(): ToolDefinition[] {
      const filesystemTools = getFilesystemToolDefinitions();
      
      return [
        {
          name: "log",
          description: "Create or update today's daily log file. Optionally add notes to the log.",
          inputSchema: {
            type: "object",
            properties: {
              notes: { 
                type: "string"
              },
              tags: { 
                type: "array",
                items: { type: "string" },
                description: `${TAG_VALIDATION_DESCRIPTION}
    
                  Analyze the note's content and identify key themes, concepts, and categories that connect it to other notes.
                  Consider:
                  - Core topics and themes present in the note
                  - Broader domains or areas of knowledge
                  - Types of information (decisions, ideas, research, etc.)
                  - Projects or contexts that might want to reference this later
                  Do not force tags - only add ones that naturally emerge from the content and would help build meaningful connections between notes.`
              }
            },
            required: ["notes", "tags"]
          }
        },
        {
          name: "evaluateInsight",
          description: `
          Evaluate the long-term value and significance of an insight or thought based on the following criteria: 
          1. Actionability (1-10): Can this be applied to future work? Is there any information that can be used to apply this thought to future work in different contexts? Is the problem it solves clear?
          2. Longevity (1-10): Will this be relevant months or years from now?
          3. Findability (1-10): Would this be hard to rediscover if forgotten?
          4. Future Reference Value (1-10): How likely are you to need this again?
          
          Insights to ignore: 
          1. Trivial syntax details
          2. Redundant information
          `,
          inputSchema: {
            type: "object",
            properties: {
              thought: { type: "string" },
              evaluationStep: { type: "number" },
              totalSteps: { type: "number" },
              nextStepNeeded: { type: "boolean" },
              actionability: { type: "number" },
              longevity: { type: "number" },
              findability: { type: "number" },
              futureReferenceValue: { type: "number" }
            },
            required: ["thought", "evaluationStep", "totalSteps", "nextStepNeeded", "actionability", "longevity", "findability", "futureReferenceValue"]
          },
        },
        {
          name: "rollup",
          description: `
           Synthesize my daily note to create an organized rollup of the most important notes with clear categories, connections, and action items. Optionally specify a date (YYYY-MM-DD).
           Only include notes that actually add long-term value. If you are unsure, call the /evaluateInsight tool to evaluate the long-term value of the thought.
           If you do not have enough information, stop and ask the user for more information.
           It is better to not log anything than log something that is not useful.
          `,
          inputSchema: {
            type: "object",
            properties: {
              date: { type: "string" },
              accomplishments: {
                type: "array",
                items: { type: "string" },
                description: "A list of accomplishments. Each accomplishment should be a short description of the work done in the day so that it can answer the question 'what did you do all day?'",
              },
              insights: {
                type: "array",  
                items: { type: "string" },
                description: "A list of insights. Each insight should be a long-term storage. Things like new knowledge gained. Do not force insights - only add ones that naturally emerge from the content and would help build meaningful connections between notes.",
              },
              todos: {
                type: "array",
                items: { type: "string" },
                description: "A list of todos. Each todo should be a short description of the task to be done. A todo should be actionable.",
              },
            },
            required: ["accomplishments", "insights"]
          },
        },
        {
          name: "write_note",
          description: "Create a new note or overwrite an existing note with content. " +
            "Path should be relative to your notes directory. " +
            "Optionally include tags that will be merged with any existing tags in the note.",
          inputSchema: {
            type: "object",
            properties: {
              path: { 
                type: "string",
                description: "Path where the note should be saved, relative to notes directory" 
              },
              content: {
                type: "string",
                description: "Content to write to the note"
              },
              tags: {
                type: "array",
                items: { type: "string" },
                description: `${TAG_VALIDATION_DESCRIPTION}
                
                Tags to add to the note's frontmatter. Will be merged with existing tags if present.`
              }
            },
            required: ["path", "content"]
          },
        },
        ...filesystemTools
      ];
    }
  • Imports the handleReadMultipleNotes function (the actual tool handler implementation) and getFilesystemToolDefinitions (containing the schema) from filesystem.js.
    import {
      ensureDirectory,
      initializeNotesDirectory,
      handleSearchFiles,
      handleReadNote,
      handleReadMultipleNotes,
      handleListDirectory,
      handleCreateDirectory,
      getFilesystemToolDefinitions
    } from './filesystem.js';
Behavior3/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It describes the action (reading multiple files) and the return format (content with paths), which is useful. However, it lacks details on error handling (e.g., what happens if a file doesn't exist), performance implications (e.g., rate limits or size constraints), or permissions required, leaving gaps in behavioral context.

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 front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence, followed by specific usage details and return information. Every sentence adds essential value without redundancy, making it efficient and well-structured for quick comprehension.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given the tool's moderate complexity (reading multiple files) and no output schema, the description adequately covers the basic operation and return format. However, it lacks details on error cases, performance limits, or how it interacts with sibling tools, which could be important for complete contextual understanding in a notes management system.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema has 100% description coverage, so the schema already documents the single parameter 'paths' thoroughly. The description adds value by providing an example (e.g., ['Log/2023-01-01.md', 'Rollups/2023-01-01-rollup.md']) and clarifying that paths are relative to the notes directory, enhancing understanding beyond the schema's basic definition.

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 specific action ('Read the contents') and resource ('multiple note files simultaneously'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'read_note' (singular) and 'search_files' (searching rather than direct reading). It precisely communicates the tool's function without ambiguity.

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 provides clear context by specifying that paths are relative to the notes directory and giving examples, which helps users understand when to use this tool. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this versus alternatives like 'read_note' for single files or 'search_files' for finding files, missing explicit guidance on exclusions or comparisons.

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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