MCP server for the Internet Archive. Search inside digitised books, browse the catalogue, and read Wayback Machine snapshots. No API key required.
Server provides 6 well-named, read-only tools with complete input schemas and descriptions. All tools follow verb_noun naming (search_*, get_*, list_*) and include parameter descriptions. However, output schemas are not explicitly documented in the source code, only input schemas are visible. Parameter descriptions are present but brief (avg ~40 chars), lacking actionable constraints like ranges, formats, or enums. Tool descriptions are adequate (avg ~50 chars) but could better explain WHEN to use each tool vs. alternatives. No error handling guidance visible in tool definitions. Security is strong (read-only, no secrets), but composition could be clearer, e.g., search_items vs. search_books distinction is not well explained.
Read an item
Read a page as it was
List captures of a page
Search works and editions
Search inside scanned pages
Search the catalogue
Output schemas not documented in source code. Only input schemas are visible; return types and field structures are not declared, forcing LLMs to infer output structure.
Parameter descriptions lack actionable constraints. 'limit' and 'page' parameters have no min/max bounds; 'date' format is mentioned but not enforced; no enum constraints on optional fields.
Tool descriptions do not explain WHEN to use each tool vs. alternatives. search_items vs. search_books distinction is unclear; search_inside vs. search_items overlap is not addressed.
Inferred effective spec: 2025-06-18+.
| Scored | Grade | Overall | Spec posture | Rubric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-09-23 | C | 62 | 2025-06-18+ | v2 |
No error handling guidance in tool definitions. Descriptions do not explain what happens on invalid input, missing resources, or API failures, or what the LLM should do next.
Pagination parameters inconsistent: search_* tools use 'page' (offset-based), list_snapshots uses 'cursor' (cursor-based). No total count or next_cursor returned in documented output.