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Audiobookshelf MCP server

by rollecode

create_items_by_id_play_by_episode_id

Idempotent

Creates a playback session for a specific episode by item ID and episode ID. Use it to record or initiate play activity in Audiobookshelf.

Instructions

Create or act on items play.

POST /api/items/{id}/play/{episodeId}

Args: id: Path parameter. episode_id: Path parameter. body: Request payload. Read the matching GET or the /schema endpoint first to see the fields this resource expects.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
idYes
bodyYes
episode_idYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv1.0.0

TDQS

D1.6/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false and idempotentHint=true, so the description need not restate those. However, it adds no behavioral context beyond telling the agent to 'Read the matching GET or the /schema endpoint first to see the fields this resource expects.' This hints at needing to inspect external schemas but does not explain what the tool actually does, side effects, or expected outcome. It offers minimal extra value over the annotations.

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

Conciseness2/5

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

The description is short but poorly structured and under-specified. The first line is ungrammatical and doesn't add clarity. While it front-loads the HTTP endpoint, the rest is repetitive of the parameter names. It is not concise in a helpful way; it omits essential details while dwelling on trivial labels.

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

Completeness1/5

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

Given the tool has a nested body object and no schema descriptions, complete contextual information is essential, but the description is grossly inadequate. It does not explain the purpose of the play action, what the body should contain, or what the response looks like (despite an output schema existing). The agent is left dependent on external endpoints, which may not be accessible in the context. This is far from minimally viable for correct invocation.

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

Parameters1/5

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, but it fails. It merely labels id and episode_id as path parameters without explaining what they represent (e.g., item ID, episode ID). The body is described as 'Request payload' with a pointer to external docs, but no hint of required fields or structure is given. This leaves the agent unable to construct a valid request without extra lookups, severely lacking in semantic detail.

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

Purpose2/5

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

The description states 'Create or act on items play' which is vague and largely restates the tool name. It does include the HTTP endpoint (POST /api/items/{id}/play/{episodeId}), but does not clarify what 'play' means or what action is performed. It fails to distinguish itself from the sibling create_items_by_id_play, making it hard for an agent to know exactly what this variant does.

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

Usage Guidelines1/5

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 the sibling create_items_by_id_play or any other context. There is no note about prerequisites, typical use cases, or situations where this tool is preferred, leaving the agent without any routing information.

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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