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Paper Search MCP

Paper Search MCP

by openags
OverviewSchemaSourceRelated ServersDiscussionsAdmin
Python
Remote

download_dblp

Check PDF availability for dblp papers and receive guidance on alternative access methods when direct download is not supported.

Instructions

Download PDF for a paper from dblp.

Note: dblp doesn't provide direct PDF access. This function returns an informative message.

Args: paper_id: dblp paper identifier. save_path: Directory to save the PDF (default: './downloads'). Returns: str: Message indicating that direct PDF download is not supported.

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": {
      "paper_id": "<paper_id>"
    },
    "name": "download_dblp"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
paper_idYes
save_pathNo./downloads

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.1.4

TDQS

C2.2/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full behavioral burden. It discloses that dblp does not support direct PDF download and that the function returns a message. However, it does not clarify whether any network request is made or if the function is essentially a no-op. The actual behavior (no download) is partially transparent but could be more explicit.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is relatively short and uses a clear note and parameter list. However, it is not optimally structured: the key contradiction between the first sentence and the note undermines conciseness. A more upfront disclosure of the tool's limitation would improve clarity without increasing length.

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 tool's misleading name and purpose, the description fails to provide complete context. It does not explain why this tool exists, what alternative tools should be used for PDF downloads, or what the meaningful use case is. The output schema is implied but not leveraged to add completeness. The description leaves the agent with insufficient information to decide to invoke this tool.

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 description adds meaning for both parameters: 'paper_id' is identified as a dblp identifier, and 'save_path' is described as a directory with a default. Since schema coverage is 0%, the description compensates well, but the semantics for 'save_path' are misleading because the tool does not actually save anything. Overall, it adds value but suffers from the tool's behavioral contradiction.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose1/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description first states 'Download PDF for a paper from dblp' but then immediately contradicts itself by noting dblp doesn't provide direct PDF access and that the function returns an informative message. This makes the purpose misleading: the tool does not download PDFs, despite its name and initial claim.

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 mentions that dblp lacks direct PDF access, providing some context for when not to use this tool. However, it does not explicitly guide the agent on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., download_scihub), nor does it suggest any alternative actions. The guidance is implicit and insufficient.

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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