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Get Author Details

books.authors.details
Read-onlyIdempotent

Get a detailed author profile by providing an Open Library Author ID. Returns biography, birth/death dates, photo, and Wikipedia link.

Instructions

Get author profile by Open Library Author ID — biography, birth/death dates, photo, Wikipedia link (Open Library / Internet Archive)

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
olidYesOpen Library Author ID, e.g. "OL23919A" for J.R.R. Tolkien. Get from search or work author keys

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultNoTool response payload. Shape varies per tool — consult the tool description and inputSchema. May be an object, array, string, or number depending on the upstream provider response.
errorNoPresent only when the call failed. Includes error code, message, request_id, and any provider-specific extras.
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already indicate a safe read operation (readOnlyHint). Description adds value by listing specific return fields (biography, dates, photo, Wikipedia link), providing behavioral context beyond annotations.

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, front-loaded with action and key information. No extraneous content, highly efficient.

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?

For a single-parameter read tool with annotations and output schema present, the description is complete. Covers purpose, key return fields, and necessary input context.

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 coverage is 100% with detailed parameter description and example. Description does not add additional parameter semantics beyond restating the ID format, so baseline score applies.

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?

Description uses specific verb 'Get' and resource 'author profile' with explicit data points (biography, dates, photo, Wikipedia link). Clearly defines the tool's function without ambiguity.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

No explicit guidance on when to use vs alternatives. However, the tool's purpose is clear from context, and siblings like 'books.works.details' are distinct. Implies usage but lacks explicit when-not-to-use or alternative suggestions.

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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