Content
# Paper Search MCP
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for searching and downloading academic papers from multiple sources, including arXiv, PubMed, bioRxiv, and Sci-Hub (optional). Designed for seamless integration with large language models like Claude Desktop.
  
[](https://smithery.ai/server/@openags/paper-search-mcp)
---
## Table of Contents
- [Overview](#overview)
- [Features](#features)
- [Installation](#installation)
- [Quick Start](#quick-start)
- [Install Package](#install-package)
- [Configure Claude Desktop](#configure-claude-desktop)
- [For Development](#for-development)
- [Setup Environment](#setup-environment)
- [Install Dependencies](#install-dependencies)
- [Contributing](#contributing)
- [Demo](#demo)
- [License](#license)
- [TODO](#todo)
---
## Overview
`paper-search-mcp` is a Python-based MCP server that enables users to search and download academic papers from various platforms. It provides tools for searching papers (e.g., `search_arxiv`) and downloading PDFs (e.g., `download_arxiv`), making it ideal for researchers and AI-driven workflows. Built with the MCP Python SDK, it integrates seamlessly with LLM clients like Claude Desktop.
---
## Features
- **Multi-Source Support**: Search and download papers from arXiv, PubMed, bioRxiv, and Sci-Hub (optional).
- **Standardized Output**: Papers are returned in a consistent dictionary format via the `Paper` class.
- **Asynchronous Tools**: Efficiently handles network requests using `httpx`.
- **MCP Integration**: Compatible with MCP clients for LLM context enhancement.
- **Extensible Design**: Easily add new academic platforms by extending the `academic_platforms` module.
---
## Installation
`paper-search-mcp` can be installed using `uv` or `pip`. Below are two approaches: a quick start for immediate use and a detailed setup for development.
### Installing via Smithery
To install paper-search-mcp for Claude Desktop automatically via [Smithery](https://smithery.ai/server/@openags/paper-search-mcp):
```bash
npx -y @smithery/cli install @openags/paper-search-mcp --client claude
```
### Quick Start
For users who want to quickly run the server:
1. **Install Package**:
```bash
uv add paper-search-mcp
```
2. **Configure Claude Desktop**:
Add this configuration to `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` (Mac) or `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json` (Windows):
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"paper_search_server": {
"command": "uv",
"args": [
"run",
"--directory",
"/path/to/your/paper-search-mcp",
"-m",
"paper_search_mcp.server"
]
}
}
}
```
> Note: Replace `/path/to/your/paper-search-mcp` with your actual installation path.
### For Development
For developers who want to modify the code or contribute:
1. **Setup Environment**:
```bash
# Install uv if not installed
curl -LsSf https://astral.sh/uv/install.sh | sh
# Clone repository
git clone https://github.com/openags/paper-search-mcp.git
cd paper-search-mcp
# Create and activate virtual environment
uv venv
source .venv/bin/activate # On Windows: .venv\Scripts\activate
```
2. **Install Dependencies**:
```bash
# Install project in editable mode
uv add -e .
# Add development dependencies (optional)
uv add pytest flake8
```
---
## Contributing
We welcome contributions! Here's how to get started:
1. **Fork the Repository**:
Click "Fork" on GitHub.
2. **Clone and Set Up**:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/paper-search-mcp.git
cd paper-search-mcp
pip install -e ".[dev]" # Install dev dependencies (if added to pyproject.toml)
```
3. **Make Changes**:
- Add new platforms in `academic_platforms/`.
- Update tests in `tests/`.
4. **Submit a Pull Request**:
Push changes and create a PR on GitHub.
---
## Demo
<img src="docs\images\demo.png" alt="Demo" width="800">
## TODO
### Planned Academic Platforms
- [√] arXiv
- [√] PubMed
- [√] bioRxiv/medRxiv
- [√] Google Scholar
- [ ] Semantic Scholar
- [ ] PubMed Central (PMC)
- [ ] Science Direct
- [ ] Springer Link
- [ ] IEEE Xplore
- [ ] ACM Digital Library
- [ ] Web of Science
- [ ] Scopus
- [ ] JSTOR
- [ ] ResearchGate
- [ ] CORE
- [ ] Microsoft Academic
---
## License
This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.
---
Happy researching with `paper-search-mcp`! If you encounter issues, open a GitHub issue.
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