Installing a Private Content App in Claude

This guide explains how to install a private content app in Claude, approve access, and start querying your licensed content library.

What You Need Before You Start

Before proceeding, make sure you have:

  • A paid Claude account
  • An API key provided to you for this content app

You do not need a separate account with the content provider.

Once the app is configured with the API key, no additional authentication is required.

Step 1: Install the Content App in Claude

image_2_1.png

image_2_2.png

  1. Open Claude and go to Settings
  2. Navigate to Connectors (or MCP Apps)
  3. Click "Add custom connector" at the bottom
  4. For Name, enter whatever you want to call the application in your Claude instance (i.e. @wiley or @)
  5. For the Remote MCP server URL, enter this in, replacing with the API Key you received for your application:
mcp: https://mcp.cashmere.io?api_key=<API_KEY>
  1. Click "Add"

Once installed, the app will appear in your list of available connectors.

image_3_1.png

Step 2: Approve Tool Permissions (Optional)

image_4_1.png

If you don't want to approve MCP tool usage every time, follow these instructions.

  1. Next to the newly created app on the "Connectors" page, there's a "Configure" button
  2. Next to "Read-only tools", in the dropdown select "Always allow"

This prevents Claude from interrupting your workflow with permission prompts.

Step 3: Understand the Core Tools

The majority of interactions will rely on two primary tools:

  • list_publications

    Returns a list of all available titles in your content library

  • search_publications

    Searches across all titles at once

Claude may also use supporting tools to retrieve individual publications or collections as needed.

Tips for Best Results

  • Start with list_publications to see what's available
  • Use search_publications for broad research questions
  • Name specific titles when you want tighter, source-constrained answers