search_books

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden of disclosing behavior. It discloses that results are 'clean' and include an id for download, but it does not mention provider behavior, limits, error handling, or filtering semantics. This is adequate but minimal.

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?

Two sentences, front-loaded with the core action, with no wasted words. Each sentence adds value: the first states what the tool does, the second states the output's purpose.

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?

With seven parameters, no annotations, and no schema descriptions, the description leaves too much unstated. The existence of an output schema reduces the need to document return shape, but the lack of parameter semantics and behavioral caveats makes the overall definition incomplete for an agent to invoke confidently.

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?

Schema description coverage is 0%, and the description provides no explanation for any of the seven parameters. While parameter names like 'query' and 'limit' are somewhat self-explanatory, 'search_type', 'provider_name', 'preferred_author', and 'preferred_language' lack any semantic guidance. The description does not compensate for the missing schema descriptions.

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 uses a specific verb ('Search') and resource ('book metadata'), and clearly states the output's purpose ('id for download_book'), which distinguishes it from the sibling tool. It is immediately clear what the tool does.

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 implies a clear usage context: search for book metadata to obtain an id, then use that id with download_book. It does not give explicit exclusions or alternative conditions, but the workflow context is evident.

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