search_by_subject

Search for documents in the Gallica digital library by subject.

Server Gallica/BnF MCP Server ukicar/sweet-bnf
Category Read
Risk class Low
Parameters 00 required

What search_by_subject does on Gallica/BnF MCP Server

AI agents call search_by_subject to retrieve information from Gallica/BnF MCP Server without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.

Why search_by_subject needs a policy

This tool retrieves or queries data from the Gallica digital library based on subject criteria. It has no side effects, cannot modify data, execute code, delete content, or move money. The blast radius of misuse is minimal—an agent could only retrieve unwanted documents or spam search requests, neither of which causes harm to the system or user data.

From the tool's definition Tool performs 'Search for documents' by subject parameter, with no modification, deletion, or execution capabilities mentioned.

Questions about search_by_subject

What does the search_by_subject tool do? +

Search for documents in the Gallica digital library by subject. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Gallica/BnF MCP Server MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.

How do I enforce a policy on search_by_subject? +

Register the Gallica/BnF MCP Server MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_by_subject: allow, deny, rate-limit, or require approval. Point your MCP client at the PolicyLayer proxy URL and the rule is enforced on every call, before it reaches Gallica/BnF MCP Server. Nothing to install.

What risk level is search_by_subject? +

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

Can I rate-limit search_by_subject? +

Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the search_by_subject rule in your PolicyLayer 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 search_by_subject completely? +

Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for search_by_subject. 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 search_by_subject? +

search_by_subject is provided by the Gallica/BnF MCP Server MCP server (ukicar/sweet-bnf). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.

// LOOK UP ANOTHER SERVER

Every MCP server has a record like this.

Type a name, get the same breakdown: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, capabilities, recommended policy.

Teams ship this data inside their own products. See what a licence covers →

// GET IN TOUCH

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

Message sent.

We'll get back to you soon.