Peas and answers
Questions about MCP Shelf
The things makers and readers ask us most. Questions about a single server are answered on its own page.
What is MCP Shelf?
A short, hand-picked directory of MCP servers: 60 today. Each page gives a config we checked against the project's own package, the tools the server exposes, what it can read and change, and how to set it up in the common AI apps.
Does it cost anything to get listed?
No. Listing is free, and we never sell places on the shelf, links or rankings. Upvotes come only from signed-in visitors.
How do I get my server on the shelf?
Send it through the suggestion form. A person reads the repo or tries the endpoint, checks the install package and writes the page in our own words. That can take a few days. We email you either way, and your status page shows where it is.
Why was my server not added?
We keep the shelf short on purpose, so a good server can still wait. The usual reasons are a package that does not match the repo, no recent commits, or a job another listed server already does well.
What does the install check prove?
For servers that need no key, we start the config, send the MCP initialize request and ask for the tool list. A pass means it started and answered. It does not mean every tool works, and it is not a security review.
What is the difference between the shelf and community servers?
Community servers were sent in by their makers. We have written them up but not run our install check yet. They move onto the shelf once they pass it.
How fresh are the stars, downloads and commit dates?
They come from GitHub and the npm and PyPI registries and refresh once a day.
Do I need an account?
Not to browse or copy a config. Signing in, with Google, GitHub or a code sent by email, lets you upvote servers and save them to your Dashboard.
Can my agent use MCP Shelf directly?
Yes. MCP Shelf runs its own MCP server and a read-only REST API, and publishes llms.txt, a markdown copy of every main page, the whole shelf as one JSON file and RSS and JSON feeds. None of them need a key.
I maintain a listed server. Is there a badge?
Yes, an optional one in light and dark styles. It changes nothing about how we review or rank your server.
Something on a page is wrong. How do I tell you?
Use the "Tell us" link at the bottom of any server page, or email mcpshelf@gmail.com.
Who runs MCP Shelf?
Sophie Filer picks every server and writes every page by hand.