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sonisoft-cnanda

now-sdk-ext-mcp

List Knowledge Bases

list_knowledge_bases

List knowledge bases from a ServiceNow instance. Filter by active status or encoded query to find specific KBs before browsing articles.

Instructions

List knowledge bases on a ServiceNow instance. Returns knowledge base records from the kb_knowledge_base table with optional filtering by active status and encoded query. Use this to discover available KBs before browsing articles or categories.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
instanceNoThe ServiceNow instance auth alias to use. This is the alias configured via `now-sdk auth --add` (e.g., "myinstance", "prod", "test"). The user will typically refer to this by name when saying things like "on my myinstance instance". If not provided, falls back to the SN_AUTH_ALIAS environment variable.
queryNoOptional encoded query to filter knowledge bases (e.g., "titleLIKEIT" to find KBs with "IT" in the title).
activeNoFilter by active status. Omit to return all.
limitNoMaximum number of records to return (default 20).
offsetNoNumber of records to skip for pagination (default 0).
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavior. It does not mention auth requirements, rate limits, or response format. With no output schema, the agent is left guessing about the return structure beyond 'knowledge base records'.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is two concise sentences with no fluff. The first sentence states core function, the second adds a usage note. It could combine both ideas more tightly but is efficient overall.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given 5 parameters and no output schema, the description is adequate but not comprehensive. It names the target table but omits details on pagination limits, field responses, or error handling. Sibling tools have similar depth.

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%, so the schema already documents each parameter. The description adds minimal extra value by mentioning 'filtering by active status and encoded query', which mirrors the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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 action 'list knowledge bases' and the resource 'kb_knowledge_base table', distinguishing it from sibling tools like list_kb_articles, list_kb_categories, or get_knowledge_base which operate on different entities.

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 advises using this tool 'before browsing articles or categories', providing clear context for when it is appropriate. It does not explicitly exclude other uses or name alternatives, but the sibling list provides implicit contrast.

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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