mcp-archiveorg

Read an item

get_item

Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve an Internet Archive item's metadata and downloadable files by its identifier. Request optional sections for basic info, file lists, or full metadata, and filter files by format.

Instructions

Read one Internet Archive item by its identifier, as returned by search_items or search_inside. Sections are opt-in: 'basic' is the default and covers what a description needs. 'files' lists the downloadable files, which on a scanned film or book run to dozens of derivatives, so filter by format when a particular one is wanted. 'full_metadata' returns every field the Archive publishes for the item, which is large and rarely needed. 'file_count' and 'total_bytes' are always reported, whether or not the file list was asked for.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description
`sections`	No	Which parts to return. Each one beyond 'basic' adds to the size of the answer.
`max_files`	No	Ceiling on files returned.
`identifier`	Yes	Archive identifier, such as 'nasa'. It is the last part of an item's address rather than the address itself, and it is matched exactly, capitals included.
`file_format`	No	Keep only files of this format, such as 'PDF' or 'MP3'. Matched case-insensitively.
`max_description_chars`	No

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema

Name	Required	Description
`date`	Yes
`item`	Yes
`files`	No
`notes`	Yes
`language`	Yes
`publisher`	Yes
`file_count`	Yes	Files the item holds, whatever this answer returned.
`collections`	Yes	Collections the item sits in.
`description`	Yes
`license_url`	Yes	Terms the uploader attached, when they attached any.
`total_bytes`	Yes
`full_metadata`	No

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

Changed2 schema fields changedv1.5.0Aug 10, 2026

changedInput schema / properties / identifier / description

Previous value: -"Archive identifier, such as 'nasa'."New value: +"Archive identifier, such as 'nasa'. It is the last part of an item's address rather than the address itself, and it is matched exactly, capitals included."

changedOutput schema / properties / item / properties / media_type / description

Previous value: -"texts, movies, audio, image, software or data."New value: +"The kind the catalogue files this row under, in the Archive's own words. Most rows carry one of texts, movies, audio, image, software or data, and some carry a kind the filter cannot ask for, such as 'collection' for a page gathering items rather than an item itself."

Changed1 schema field changedv1.3.0Aug 7, 2026
- addedInput schema / additionalProperties
```
Added value: +false
```
First observedv0.1.0Aug 5, 2026

TDQS

A4.7/5.0

Behavior5/5

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

Beyond the readOnly/idempotent/non-destructive annotations, the description reveals default behavior (basic section), the potentially large size of files list, the always-reported file_count and total_bytes, and the trade-off of full_metadata. This gives the agent a clear picture of output size and how to control it.

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?

Four sentences deliver all key information with no padding. The first sentence states the core purpose, the second explains default behavior, the third details the optional sections and filtering, and the fourth reveals an always-returned metric. Each sentence earns its place.

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 simplicity, output schema presence, and strong annotations, the description covers everything an agent needs: how to get the item, what sections are available, size implications, and default metrics. No critical gaps remain for selecting and invoking the tool correctly.

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?

With 80% schema coverage, the baseline is 3, but the description adds meaningful semantics: it explains what 'basic' covers, that 'files' lists derivatives and can be filtered by format, and that full_metadata is rarely needed. It does not mention max_description_chars, but the schema already provides bounds; overall the description enriches the schema.

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 opens with 'Read one Internet Archive item by its identifier,' which clearly states a specific verb (read) and resource (item). It distinguishes from sibling search/list tools by targeting a single known item rather than searching, and it references the upstream search tools that produce the identifier.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description explains that identifiers come from search_items or search_inside, implicitly guiding when to use this tool (after searching). It also provides clear guidance on section selection, advising against full_metadata as 'large and rarely needed' and recommending format filtering for files, which helps choose the right parameters.

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

Deploy Server