librarian

Cache and refresh remote Git repositories under a deterministic local path.

6|Updated Feb 25, 2026

Search Tags:#automation #git #repository #cache #updates #fast-forward #checkout

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/archibate/archibate-skills --skill librarian-archibate

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: librarian
Source: https://github.com/archibate/archibate-skills/tree/main/skills/librarian
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/archibate/archibate-skills --skill librarian-archibate

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires git.

What problem does it solve?

Caches and refreshes remote Git repositories under ~/.cache/checkouts/<host>/<org>/<repo> so future references can reuse a local copy, reducing repeated network fetches and setup overhead.

Core Features & Use Cases

Stable, deterministic local cache path at ~/.cache/checkouts/<host>/<org>/<repo>.
Throttled updates with fetch and optional fast-forward merges when upstream is available.
Partial clones with --filter=blob:none to minimize bandwidth and storage.

Quick Start

Clone or reference a repository by providing its URL or owner/repo, then reuse the path for subsequent tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions about librarian

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I cache a remote git repository locally to avoid repeated network fetches?▼

To cache a remote git repository locally, point the skill to a URL or owner/repo shorthand. It clones the repository under ~/.cache/checkouts/<host>/<org>/<repo>, providing a stable local copy for future references and reducing network overhead.

Does cloning a git repository with this method minimize bandwidth and storage?▼

Cloning a git repository with this method minimizes bandwidth and storage by using partial clones with --filter=blob:none. It also performs a shallow clone by default, ensuring efficient local caching of the remote repository.

Can I use this to fetch updates and fast-forward merge an upstream git repository?▼

You can use this to fetch updates and fast-forward merge an upstream git repository. The skill performs throttled updates with fetches and optional fast-forward merges when the upstream is available, keeping your local cache up-to-date.

What is the deterministic local cache path for a cloned GitHub or GitLab repository?▼

The deterministic local cache path for a cloned GitHub or GitLab repository is ~/.cache/checkouts/<host>/<org>/<repo>. This stable path structure allows future references to easily reuse the locally cached checkout.

Do I need git installed to clone and refresh remote repositories locally?▼

You need git installed to clone and refresh remote repositories locally. Git is the required dependency for executing the shallow clones, throttled fetches, and optional fast-forward merges needed to maintain the local cache.