Using the API


Update to the Trove API Terms of Use and removal of anonymous access 

Trove has discontinued anonymous access to the Trove API.  

The Library will shortly be updating the Trove API Terms of Use to reflect the removal of the anonymous access feature.  The Library will also be updating our Trove API information and our application processes to provide better governance, transparency and assurance around API access to Trove, while retaining access to collections.  

The Trove API version 3.0 interface now requires that users authorise their search using an API key registered to their account. If users attempt to run a search without a key, the search will return an error message.  

Detailed Changes to the API Terms of Use 

Section 

Change 

Definitions 

Removal of ‘“anonymous access” or “guest access” means interacting with the Trove API without providing an API key;’

Agreement to Terms 

Removal of ‘including through anonymous/guest access’ from the first sentence in 2.2. 

Access and Use Rights 

4.1 to be removed in its entirety as it details the conditions for anonymous access. 

Reserved rights 

19(f) to be removed in its entirety as it outlines the Library’s right to discontinue anonymous use of the Trove API.   


The Trove Application Programming Interface (API) allows you to build a complex search query and then delivers it in a machine-readable form, enabling you to develop new applications, tools and interfaces.

Check out What is the Trove API? for more information about the types of data available and what it can be used for.

There are four steps to get started with the Trove API: 

  1. Agree to the Trove API terms of use  

  1. Get an API key 

  1. The application process 

  1. Begin using the Trove API 

1. Access and Terms of Use

On-going use of the Trove API will require an active API key. 

By using any Trove API functionality, you agree to the Trove API Terms of Use

2. Get an API key

You will need a Trove account to receive a Trove API key. If you don't already have a Trove account, it's easy to sign up

Once you have a Trove account, complete the Request a Trove API key form to apply for a Trove API key. This form is also available in your Trove account by selecting your profile and then the ‘Trove API’ tab.  

In the form you will need to tell us: 

  • your Trove username and other contact details 

  • the rate of calls you require 

  • why you are requesting access to the Trove API key 

  • how you will use the Trove API 

  • that you have read and agreed to our Terms of Use 

  • if you require an exemption to the Trove API Terms of Use 

Please have these details ready as the form will time out after 20 minutes. If you have any questions about how to request an API key, please contact us.

3. The application process

Once you have submitted your application, we will review the form to determine the level of review. Information about the levels of review is available in Table 1.  

Most requests will be answered within a week, however complex enquiries or those that need higher review may take longer. 

 

Table 1: Trove API application review levels 

Level of Review 

Call rate 

Reason for Accessing API 

Intended Use of API 

Exemption Required? 

Technical 

Custom 

 

 

Level 1 

200m 

Personal use 

Education or Training 

Academic Research 

To create something for a library or cultural institution 

To create something for an Australian Government organisation 

 

Develop a new application or research tool 

Link Trove search results to another website 

Teach, demonstrate or learn about API capabilities 

Bulk download of search results 

Download metadata for analyses or research 

Cross-reference Trove records with another institution’s holdings 

Level 2 

200m 

Private employment – Non-commercial use 

Non-Commercial websites 

Other responses 

Use with existing applications or research tools (please specify)  

Other responses  

 

Level 3 

200m 

Commercial websites 

Private employment – Commercial use 

Downloading/harvesting full-text records 

AI modelling/Machine learning 

Level 4 

200m 

 

Training generative AI 

No approval 

 

 

Creating backlinks to other sites 

Advertising products or services 

n/a 

 

For transparency and guidance, we have outlined what we will be looking for at each of the different review levels in Table 2. 

Table 2: Review focus for each level of Trove API application review.   

Level of Review 

Review focus 

Technical 

Does the requested call rate pose any technical risks? 

Level 1 

Is the form complete? 

Do they agree to the Trove API Terms of Use? 

Level 2 

Does the stated use align with the Trove API Terms of Use? 

Have they provided sufficient detail about their intended use? 

Are they working with applications or research tools that draw on metadata rather than full text? 

Does the stated use match non-commercial use? 

Do any of the responses contradict each other or require further investigation? 

Level 3 

Have they requested an exemption to the Trove API Terms of Use? 

If no, does their stated use align with the Trove API Terms of Use? 

If yes, have they provided sufficient justification for an exemption? 

  • Is it research? (and what kind/level) 

  • Have they detailed the project? 

  • Can the project be done without an exemption? 

Is there a data sharing agreement in place? 

Will any commercial use of the Trove API acknowledge Trove and the NLA? 

Has the application indicated that it will be accessing content that is still in copyright? 

Level 4 

What are the benefits or positive outcomes of the project for the Australian public? 

Does the stated use pose a reputational risk to the library? Factors to consider include the probability of: ICIP, copyright, moral rights or infringements; potential of hate speech or other harms or potential to deliberately mislead the public. 

Is the user intending to use the API to access material that is in copyright? 

Does the stated use oppose our obligations as collection custodians? 

Does the stated use align with the Library’s AI framework? 

Is there a data sharing agreement in place? 

Uses of the Trove API that require higher review may require a data sharing agreement between you or your organisation and the National Library of Australia.  

If you would like to dispute a decision, you can reopen your application enquiry, and it will be escalated to the next level of review. You may be asked to provide additional information. 

4. Begin using the Trove API

Once we have generated an API key, you're ready to get started. 

You can find your Trove API key, your rate of calls and other details about your access to the Trove API in your Trove account. To access: 

  • Log in to your Trove Account and click on your username 

  • Select 'My Profile' 

  • Select the 'Trove API' tab 

The Trove API version 3.0 has a handy interface to assist you in building your first search query. You can start experimenting with the search parameters available in each field.

Be sure to check out the API v3 technical guide for detailed assistance.

 

Trove API versions 

v3.0

We have released the Trove API version 3.0, which received investment from the Australian Research Data Commons (ARDC). The ARDC is funded by the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

Version 2.0 was discontinued in September 2024. This introduction (PDF:231KB) outlines what we changed in the Trove API v3 and why. If you have any feedback on v3.0, please contact us.

Share it

We would love to hear how you've used the API to create something, so feel free to share your creation or research with us. Contact us, or share with us on Twitter or Facebook.