Low Risk

get_authors_by_name

Search for author information on Open Library.

Single-target operation

Part of the Open Library MCP Server MCP server. Enforce policies on this tool with Intercept, the open-source MCP proxy.

AI agents call get_authors_by_name to retrieve information from Open Library MCP Server without modifying any data. This is common in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows where the agent needs context before taking action. Because read operations don't change state, they are generally safe to allow without restrictions -- but you may still want rate limits to control API costs.

Even though get_authors_by_name only reads data, uncontrolled read access can leak sensitive information or rack up API costs. An agent caught in a retry loop could make thousands of calls per minute. A rate limit gives you a safety net without blocking legitimate use.

Read-only tools are safe to allow by default. No rate limit needed unless you want to control costs.

8ensmith-mcp-open-library.yaml
tools:
  get_authors_by_name:
    rules:
      - action: allow

See the full Open Library MCP Server policy for all 6 tools.

Tool Name get_authors_by_name
Category Read
Risk Level Low

Agents calling read-class tools like get_authors_by_name have been implicated in these attack patterns. Read the full case and prevention policy for each:

Browse the full MCP Attack Database →

Other tools in the Read risk category across the catalogue. The same policy patterns (rate-limit, allow) apply to each.

What does the get_authors_by_name tool do? +

Search for author information on Open Library.. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Open Library MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on get_authors_by_name? +

Add a rule in your Intercept YAML policy under the tools section for get_authors_by_name. You can allow, deny, rate-limit, or validate arguments. Then run Intercept as a proxy in front of the Open Library MCP Server MCP server.

What risk level is get_authors_by_name? +

get_authors_by_name is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.

Can I rate-limit get_authors_by_name? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the get_authors_by_name rule in your Intercept policy. For example, setting max: 10 and window: 60 limits the tool to 10 calls per minute. Rate limits are tracked per agent session and reset automatically.

How do I block get_authors_by_name completely? +

Set action: deny in the Intercept policy for get_authors_by_name. The AI agent will receive a policy violation error and cannot call the tool. You can also include a reason field to explain why the tool is blocked.

What MCP server provides get_authors_by_name? +

get_authors_by_name is provided by the Open Library MCP Server MCP server (8enSmith/mcp-open-library). Intercept sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

Enforce policies on Open Library MCP Server

Open source. One binary. Zero dependencies.

npx -y @policylayer/intercept
github.com/policylayer/intercept →
// GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more? Send us a message.

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.