HathiTrust provides a baseline of access tools for content in the repository and works with participating libraries to define, prioritize, and develop other tools and services. HathiTrust has also elaborated open service definitions (APIs) to make it possible for participating libraries to develop other secure access mechanisms.
Visit the Using the Digital Library Help Page for frequently asked questions about accessing and using HathiTrust.
See our Resources and Guides page for guides on using the digital library.
Bibliographic Search
Bibliographic searching (title, author, subject, ISBN, publisher, and year of publication) of the HathiTrust Digital Library is available through the primary catalog search box on the home page.
Global searching
HathiTrust offers full-text search across all items in the repository (including public domain and in copyright works) The portal to full-text search can be reached at http://www.hathitrust.org. More information about our efforts in this area can be found at http://www.hathitrust.org/large_scale_search and on the Large-Scale Search Blog.
PageTurner
Individual volumes (when confirmed to be in the public domain) can be viewed and searched through a page turner mechanism. Pages are rendered as native browser files, PDFs, and OCR text. Technical details about how the PageTurner functions are available at HathiTrust PageTurner.
Collection builder
The Collection Builder provides the ability for end-users and collection development staff to create and “publish” virtual collections of volumes held in the repository. See the Using the Digital Library help page for more information.
Access mechanisms for users with print disabilities
The University of Michigan has developed a mechanism to support additional access for users with print disabilities. HathiTrust will work with participating libraries to design and implement a generalized version (i.e., a version that works with multiple institutions). See HathiTrust Accessibility for more information.
APIs
Please see Data Availability and APIs.
Additional Searching Options
We have made it possible for institutions to load bibliographic records for HathiTrust materials into their own catalogs. Libraries are thus able to make full-text volumes from HathiTrust available through their local catalogs. Instructions on how to load bibliographic records are available on the Data Availability and APIs page. Please also see HathiTrust Full View in Catalog and Discovery Services for more details on integrating HathiTrust into your Library services.