How to use the Web Search Research Specialist agent skill

What an agent skill is and what this one does

An agent skill is a folder containing a SKILL.md file that gives an AI agent specific instructions for a type of task. This skill, named web-search, gives the agent a research-specialist role.

When you ask a question that needs current or accurate information, the agent is instructed to form targeted search queries, evaluate sources, and summarize findings. The skill is written as behavioural guidance. The file itself does not add a search tool, so the agent relies on whatever search or browsing capability its host environment provides.

• Cites source URLs so you can verify claims
• Prefers official documentation, research papers and announcements over blog posts and forums
• Presents conflicting sources side by side and notes the discrepancy
• Separates established facts from opinion or speculation
• States the date of information when recency matters, such as pricing or API versions
• Uses structured pros and cons when comparing tools or services

Install the web-search skill

Download the ZIP file for the skill from this page. Then choose one of the following methods.

For a personal install that applies across your projects, unzip the file into ~/.claude/skills/. For a single project, unzip it into that project's .claude/skills/ folder.

In the Claude apps, you can instead upload the skill under Settings → Capabilities → Skills.

• Personal: unzip into ~/.claude/skills/
• Single project: unzip into the project's .claude/skills/ folder
• Claude apps: Settings → Capabilities → Skills, then upload

Trigger the skill with natural requests

You do not need a special command. Ask a question that needs current or accurate information, and the agent can apply the skill. Requests that mention recency, documentation, versions or comparisons are the clearest triggers.

Including the specific version, framework, or error message in your request helps, because the skill asks the agent to use those details in its queries.

• What is the current stable version of a library, and where is the changelog?
• Does this API endpoint still exist in the latest documentation?
• Compare three vector databases for a small project, with pros and cons and sources.
• Find the official docs on this error message: [paste message].

Examples of useful results

A good answer leads with the direct answer, then gives supporting context and a short list of sources. For a developer checking compatibility, the agent should state the version it found, cite the official page, and note if the documentation looks outdated.

For a comparison, expect a structured list of options with pros and cons, and a note on which claims came from a single source.

What it needs and safety notes

The skill lists no requirements. It runs no scripts and does not use the network itself. Its only file is SKILL.md.

Because the skill depends on the host agent having search access, check that your environment provides search or browsing before relying on current results. The skill cannot verify sources by itself.

Do not make medical, legal or financial decisions on the agent's summary alone. Check the cited sources independently.

• Requirements: none listed
• Runs scripts: no
• Uses network: no
• Files: SKILL.md

Tips for better results

Be specific about what you need and how recent it must be. Ask for the sources and check the URLs the agent gives you, since the skill asks it to verify links but you should still confirm them.

If the first answer looks weak, ask the agent to reformulate the search or narrow the scope to official sources.

• Name the exact version, framework or error message
• Ask for official sources only when you want primary documentation
• Ask the agent to state the date of the information
• Request a structured comparison when choosing between options