booklib-ai BookLib MCP Tool Guide
BookLib exposes 5 MCP tools to AI coding agents. Each tool has a single purpose. This guide covers when to call each one, what parameters to pass, and common workflows.
Tool Reference
| Tool | When to call | Key params |
|---|---|---|
lookup |
Before working with unfamiliar APIs or post-training deps | query (required), file, limit, source |
review |
User asks for deep code review of a specific file | skill_name, file_path (both required) |
remember |
User says "remember this", "capture", or makes a team decision | title (required), content, type, tags |
verify |
After writing code that uses unfamiliar or new APIs | file_path (required) |
guard |
After writing code that touches architecture or API choices | file_path (required) |
Decision Tree
Need current docs for a post-training library -> lookup
Need a full expert review of a file -> review
User wants to save a decision or insight -> remember
Code uses unknown imports -> verify
Code might violate team rules -> guard
Tool Details
lookup
Searches across post-training corrections, team knowledge, and expert skills. Returns structured principles with source citations.
Parameters:
query(string, required): What you need to know. Include the library name and task.file(string): Path to the file being worked on. Adds language and component context.limit(number): Maximum results. Default: 3.source(enum: all/skills/knowledge): Filter by source type.
Prioritization order: (1) post-training gap corrections, (2) team knowledge nodes, (3) expert skill principles.
review
Audits a file against a named skill's principles. Returns structured findings with line references and citations.
Parameters:
skill_name(string, required): The skill to review against (e.g., "effective-kotlin", "clean-code-reviewer").file_path(string, required): Path to the file to review.
remember
Creates a searchable knowledge node. Automatically indexed and auto-linked to related nodes.
Parameters:
title(string, required): Short descriptive title.content(string): Detailed description in markdown.type(enum: insight/decision/pattern/note/research): Node type. Default: "insight".tags(string): Comma-separated tags.links(string): Link targets as "target:edge-type" pairs.
verify
Checks if a file's imports are covered by BookLib's index. Flags unknown post-training APIs that may need current docs.
Parameters:
file_path(string, required): Path to the source file.
Returns: list of unknown imports with suggested documentation URLs.
guard
Checks if code contradicts captured team decisions. Compares code patterns against decision nodes.
Parameters:
file_path(string, required): Path to the source file.
Returns: list of contradictions with the violated decision and source.
Common Workflows
1. Gap detection and resolution
verify file.ts -> finds unknown import "@stripe/stripe-js"
lookup "stripe js v5 api" -> returns current v5 docs
-> write correct code using current API
2. Team knowledge enforcement
write code -> make architectural choice
guard file.ts -> flags: contradicts "use PaymentIntents not Charges"
-> fix the violation, commit
3. Knowledge capture during work
discover a useful pattern -> remember "retry with exponential backoff" --type pattern
make a team decision -> remember "use PaymentIntents not Charges" --type decision
Anti-Patterns
- Don't call
lookupfor standard patterns. React hooks, Python builtins, Go stdlib -- you already know these. Only call for project-specific or post-training knowledge. - Don't call
verifyon stdlib imports. Standard library imports are always known. Only check third-party imports. - Don't call
rememberfor ephemeral notes. Only capture durable decisions, patterns, and insights that future sessions should know about. - Don't call
reviewwithout a specific skill. The skill_name parameter is required -- pick the most relevant one or use "clean-code-reviewer" as default. - Don't over-call tools. One
lookupper topic is enough. Don't repeat the same query hoping for different results.
CLI-Only Commands (Not MCP Tools)
These features are available via the booklib CLI but not exposed as MCP tools:
booklib connect <path>-- connect a documentation sourcebooklib connect github releases <repo>-- index GitHub changelogsbooklib connect notion database <id>-- index Notion pagesbooklib link <from> <to> --type <edge>-- connect two knowledge nodesbooklib save-state --goal "..." --next "..."-- save session for handoffbooklib nodes list/booklib nodes show <id>-- list and inspect knowledgebooklib gaps/booklib resolve-gaps-- detect and fix knowledge gapsbooklib analyze-- show affected files and post-training APIsbooklib doctor-- health check