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smaniches

Semantic Scholar MCP Server

semantic_scholar_export_citation

Read-onlyIdempotent

Export a BibTeX citation for a paper by providing any supported identifier (S2 ID, DOI, arXiv, PMID, CorpusId).

Instructions

Export a citation for a paper in BibTeX format.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
paramsYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior2/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, openWorldHint. The description adds only the BibTeX format detail, lacking info on error handling, rate limits, or auth requirements beyond the deprecated api_key parameter.

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?

Single sentence, 9 words, no fluff. Front-loaded with the key action and output format.

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

Completeness4/5

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

For a simple export tool with good annotations and input schema (with parameters described), the description is adequate. Output schema is present, so return values need not be explained. Minor improvement could mention that it returns BibTeX string.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100% (all parameters have descriptions in the schema), so baseline is 3. The tool description does not add any parameter details, but it is not necessary given schema richness.

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 verb (Export), resource (citation for a paper), and format (BibTeX). It is specific and distinguishes from siblings like searching or getting paper details.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool vs alternatives, nor any prerequisites or exclusions. The user must infer usage from the name and description.

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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