Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API MCP Server

The env.json file contains environment variable values for the lambda functions defined in the API for use in local development. You can create an env.

People who work with Chaos and Next and want it reachable from Claude, Cursor, VS Code, or another MCP client. The project is written in TypeScript.

VERIFIED ACTIVE

LAST COMMIT 2026-09-15 · ★ 14 · #41 OF 278 MAINTAINED API INTEGRATION · VERIFIED 2026-09-18

TypeScript servers · how we verify → /methodology

01 · Install Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API

before you install - you'll need

Set CHAOS_CONFIG, NEXT_PUBLIC_DCAPI_ENDPOINT before connecting.

Claude Code

claude mcp add nulib-dc-api-v2 --transport http https://api.dc.library.northwestern.edu/api/v2/mcp

Claude Desktop / Cursor / VS Code - add to config

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "nulib-dc-api-v2": {
      "url": "https://api.dc.library.northwestern.edu/api/v2/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Same JSON for Cursor. For VS Code, rename the top-level key from `mcpServers` to `servers`.

Using another client? Same JSON, different key

Claude Desktop · mcpServers

Cursor · mcpServers

VS Code · servers

Windsurf · mcpServers

Zed · context_servers

Cline · mcpServers

Roo Code · mcpServers

Continue · mcpServers

LibreChat · mcpServers

Gemini CLI · mcpServers

Codex CLI · mcp_servers

Full setup guides: every client.

02 · Evidence

https://api.dc.library.northwestern.edu/api/v2/mcp

transport: streamable-http

endpoint alive - responded to MCP initialize · probed 2026-09-17

Security posture

What to check before giving this server access to your agent - from the registry, GitHub, and our own probes. We don't score safety; we show what's verifiable.

runs as local process (stdio) - runs on your machine with your user's permissions · container (OCI image) - can be sandboxed away from your filesystem · remote - your agent's requests go to api.dc.library.northwestern.edu

endpoint auth accepted our unauthenticated MCP initialize - no credentials needed to connect

license no standard license detected - usage rights unclear; check the repo before commercial use

npm package @nulib/dc-api-mcp - published under the repo owner's npm scope (@nulib)

registry namespace io.github.nulib is GitHub-verified and matches the repo owner

03 · What Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API can do

Prose above is summarized from the project's README and registry record - no invented capabilities.

Latest releases

v2.11.15 · 2026-09-15

Added a new endpoint to support MCP (Model Context Protocol) discovery, allowing compatible clients and tools to automatically detect and connect to this API as an MCP-enabled service.

v2.11.14 · 2026-09-11

Fixed an issue where the chat feature could return an incomplete response before the full answer had finished generating. Users should now consistently receive complete answers from the chat function.

v2.11.13 · 2026-09-11

IIIF Manifests and file-set Canvases now include the search service only when transcription content actually exists for that resource. Previously, the search box appeared in viewers for all items, even those with no…

04 · Who maintains Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API

Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API is maintained by nulib. It's the only MCP server we track from this author; the repo dates to Jul 2022.

05 · Facts

repository: github.com/nulib/dc-api-v2
category: API integration - ranked #41 of 278 actively-maintained API integration servers as of 2026-09-18.
release cadence: 10+ releases in the last 90 days (latest 2026-09-15)
registry: io.github.nulib/dc-api (active, first published 2026-04-17 · 13 versions)
packages: npm:@nulib/dc-api-mcp · oci:ghcr.io/nulib/dc-api-mcp:2.11.15

06 · Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API FAQ

What is Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API?

The env.json file contains environment variable values for the lambda functions defined in the API for use in local development. You can create an env.

Is Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API still maintained?

Yes - as of 2026-09-18, its last commit was 2026-09-15 and it shipped 10+ releases in the last 90 days. We re-verify nightly.

How do I install Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API?

Run `npx -y @nulib/dc-api-mcp`. The README documents 2 environment variables (CHAOS_CONFIG, NEXT_PUBLIC_DCAPI_ENDPOINT) to set first. Set CHAOS_CONFIG, NEXT_PUBLIC_DCAPI_ENDPOINT before connecting. You can also paste the ready-made client config above.

Does Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API require authentication?

No - the endpoint accepted our unauthenticated MCP initialize when probed on 2026-09-17; you can connect without credentials.

07 · Alternatives to Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API

Alternatives to Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API

Maintained API integration servers if Northwestern University Libraries Digital Collections API isn't the fit.

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