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openags

Paper Search MCP

by openags
OverviewSchemaRelated ServersScoreDiscussions
Python
Remote

download_crossref

Download academic papers using CrossRef DOIs by accessing publisher websites, as CrossRef is a citation database without direct PDF downloads.

Instructions

Attempt to download PDF of a CrossRef paper.

Args: paper_id: CrossRef DOI (e.g., '10.1038/nature12373'). save_path: Directory to save the PDF (default: './downloads'). Returns: str: Message indicating that direct PDF download is not supported.

Note: CrossRef is a citation database and doesn't provide direct PDF downloads. Use the DOI to access the paper through the publisher's website.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
paper_idYes
save_pathNo./downloads

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Implementation Reference

  • paper_search_mcp/server.py:711-725 (handler)
    The handler function `download_crossref` which acts as the entry point for the tool. It calls the `download_pdf` method of the `crossref_searcher` instance.
    async def download_crossref(paper_id: str, save_path: str = "./downloads") -> str:
    """Attempt to download PDF of a CrossRef paper.

    Args:
        paper_id: CrossRef DOI (e.g., '10.1038/nature12373').
        save_path: Directory to save the PDF (default: './downloads').
    Returns:
        str: Message indicating that direct PDF download is not supported.
        
    Note:
        CrossRef is a citation database and doesn't provide direct PDF downloads.
        Use the DOI to access the paper through the publisher's website.
    """
    try:
        return crossref_searcher.download_pdf(paper_id, save_path)
  • paper_search_mcp/academic_platforms/crossref.py:233-248 (handler)
    The actual implementation of `download_pdf` inside the `CrossRefSearcher` class. It returns a message explaining that CrossRef does not provide direct PDF downloads.
    def download_pdf(self, paper_id: str, save_path: str) -> str:
    """
    CrossRef doesn't provide direct PDF downloads.
    
    Args:
        paper_id: DOI of the paper
        save_path: Directory to save the PDF
        
    Raises:
        NotImplementedError: Always raises this error as CrossRef doesn't provide direct PDF access
    """
    message = ("CrossRef does not provide direct PDF downloads. "
              "CrossRef is a citation database that provides metadata about academic papers. "
              "To access the full text, please use the paper's DOI or URL to visit the publisher's website.")
    raise NotImplementedError(message)

Tool Definition Quality

A4.9/5.0
Behavior5/5

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 transparently reveals that the tool will return a message 'indicating that direct PDF download is not supported' and explains why (CrossRef doesn't provide PDFs). This manages expectations about the tool's limited functionality and failure modes, which is crucial for a tool that cannot fulfill its nominal purpose.

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 efficiently structured with clear sections (Args, Returns, Note) and every sentence earns its place. The front-loaded purpose statement is followed by necessary details and crucial warnings. There's no redundancy or wasted verbiage.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given the tool's simple nature (2 parameters, no annotations, but with output schema), the description is complete. It explains the tool's purpose, parameters, return value, and critical limitations. The output schema exists, so the description doesn't need to explain return values in detail, and it adequately covers the behavioral context needed for this straightforward tool.

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?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It provides clear semantics for both parameters: 'paper_id' is explained as 'CrossRef DOI' with an example, and 'save_path' is described as 'Directory to save the PDF' with its default value. This adds essential meaning beyond the bare schema, though it doesn't elaborate on format constraints or edge cases.

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 tool's purpose: 'Attempt to download PDF of a CrossRef paper.' It specifies the exact action (download PDF), resource (CrossRef paper), and distinguishes it from siblings like 'get_crossref_paper_by_doi' or 'read_crossref_paper' by focusing on PDF download attempts rather than metadata retrieval or reading.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The 'Note' section clarifies that 'CrossRef is a citation database and doesn't provide direct PDF downloads' and advises to 'Use the DOI to access the paper through the publisher's website.' This directly addresses when not to use this tool and suggests alternative approaches.

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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