paper-search-mcp

Overview

paper-search-mcp is a Python-based MCP server that provides tools for searching, downloading, and extracting academic papers from various platforms. It features a two-layer architecture with unified tooling for multi-source search and platform-specific connectors. The server follows a free-first strategy, prioritizing public and open data sources while supporting optional API keys for enhanced functionality. It supports a wide range of academic platforms including arXiv, PubMed, bioRxiv, and more, with standardized output and extensible design.

Try asking AI

After installing, here are 6 things you can ask your AI assistant:

• search_papers

  Search for academic papers across multiple sources with deduplication

  Try:Find papers about machine learning in healthcareTry:Search for recent papers on quantum computingTry:Show me papers by author Andrew Ng
• download_with_fallback

  Download papers using open access links with fallback chain

  Try:Download the paper at arXiv:1234.5678Try:Get the PDF for this paper using all available methodsTry:Retrieve the full text of DOI:10.1234/example
• search_arxiv

  Search for papers specifically on arXiv

  Try:Search arXiv for papers about transformer architecturesTry:Find recent papers in cs.CL categoryTry:Look for papers by Yann LeCun on arXiv
• search_pubmed

  Search for biomedical papers on PubMed

  Try:Search PubMed for papers about mRNA vaccinesTry:Find recent studies on Alzheimer's diseaseTry:Look for papers published in Nature journal
• search_semantic_scholar

  Search papers using Semantic Scholar API

  Try:Search Semantic Scholar for papers about natural language processingTry:Find highly cited papers on climate changeTry:Look for papers that cite a specific paper
• search_crossref

  Search papers using Crossref metadata API

  Try:Search Crossref for papers published in 2023Try:Find papers with a specific DOITry:Look for papers from a particular journal
• search_pubmed_central

  Search for open access papers in PubMed Central

  Try:Search PMC for free full-text papers on COVID-19Try:Find open access papers in neuroscienceTry:Look for papers with full text available
• search_google_scholar

  Search Google Scholar for academic papers

  Try:Search Google Scholar for papers about reinforcement learningTry:Find papers citing a specific workTry:Look for papers by a particular author
• search_bioRxiv

  Search for preprint papers on bioRxiv

  Try:Search bioRxiv for recent biology preprintsTry:Find papers about CRISPR gene editingTry:Look for preprints in immunology
• search_core

  Search for papers in the CORE aggregation service

  Try:Search CORE for open access computer science papersTry:Find papers with full text availableTry:Look for papers from specific repositories
• search_unpaywall

  Look up open access versions of papers using DOI

  Try:Check if this DOI has an open access versionTry:Find the open access copy of 10.1234/exampleTry:Look for freely available versions of this paper
• read_paper

  Extract text content from a downloaded paper

  Try:Read and summarize the content of this paperTry:Extract the abstract from this PDFTry:Get the main text from the downloaded paper

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Installation

smithery install @openags/paper-search-mcp

uvx paper-search-mcp

uv add paper-search-mcp

pip install paper-search-mcp

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "paper-search": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["paper-search-mcp", "stdio"]
    }
  }
}

FAQ

Is this server compatible with Claude Desktop?

Yes, it works with Claude Desktop and other MCP clients. The README includes specific configuration instructions.

Do I need API keys to use this server?

Most functionality works without API keys, but optional keys can improve rate limits and access for certain platforms like Semantic Scholar.

Does it support Sci-Hub for downloading papers?

Sci-Hub is available as an optional fallback, but it's unstable and user responsibility. The server prioritizes legal open access sources first.

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