Search libraries by name
AI agents call search_libraries to retrieve information from Zotero Agent without modifying anything — typically the context-gathering step in research, monitoring, and reporting workflows, before the agent takes action elsewhere.
This tool performs a search operation to retrieve library information by name. It is a retrieval function with no side effects—it does not create, modify, delete, or execute any operations. It falls squarely within the Read category as a data retrieval mechanism.
From the tool's definition Tool name 'search_libraries' and description 'Search libraries by name' indicate a query operation that retrieves information without modification or execution of external actions.
Attacks that exploit this kind of access
Search libraries by name. It is categorised as a Read tool in the Zotero Agent MCP Server, which means it retrieves data without modifying state.
Register the Zotero Agent MCP server in PolicyLayer and add a rule for search_libraries: 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 Zotero Agent. Nothing to install.
search_libraries is a Read tool with low risk. Read-only tools are generally safe to allow by default.
Yes. Add a rate_limit block to the search_libraries 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.
Set action: deny in the PolicyLayer policy for search_libraries. 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.
search_libraries is provided by the Zotero Agent MCP server (psiQAQ/zotero-agent). PolicyLayer sits as a proxy in front of this server to enforce policies before tool calls reach the server.
search_libraries is one line of Zotero Agent's registry record.
The record carries the whole server: verified identity, auth posture, risk grade, every tool classified, recommended policy — re-checked continuously.
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