Unpaywall API
Unpaywall REST API for resolving scholarly DOIs to open-access status, repository locations, licenses, and best available full-text links.
Connect this API to an AI agent Browse all specs
What you can do with Unpaywall API via MCP
Every endpoint below becomes a governed tool your AI agent (Claude, ChatGPT, or a customer-facing VX agent) can call — with scoped permissions, sandbox testing, and audit logs.
| Method | Path | Operation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| GET | /{doi} |
get_doi | Resolve a DOI to open-access locations Method: GET Path: /{doi} IMPORTANT: This function has 2 REQUIRED parameter(s) and 1 OPTIONAL parameter(s) REQUIRED parameters MUST be provided OPTIONAL parameters can be omitted if not needed Parameters: Path Parameters: REQUIRED: - doi: URL-encoded scholarly DOI Query Parameters: REQUIRED: - email: Client contact email OPTIONAL: - is_oa: Restrict to open-access records |
Usage guide
The Unpaywall API does not use a bearer token. Every request must include a valid `email` query parameter identifying the client. Use the documented API version, cache responses responsibly, and do not use the service for bulk scraping outside its access policy. Official documentation: https://unpaywall.org/products/api
How to use this spec
- Create a free VX Agents account (sandbox tools included).
- Open the marketplace and connect “Unpaywall API” to an agent.
- Expose it as an MCP server for Claude/ChatGPT, or chat with it directly.