Internet Archive Metadata API
Internet Archive public metadata API for searching archive items and retrieving complete structured metadata records, including books and digitized texts.
Connect this API to an AI agent Browse all specs
What you can do with Internet Archive Metadata API via MCP
Every endpoint below becomes a governed tool your AI agent (Claude, ChatGPT, or a customer-facing VX agent) can call — with scoped permissions, sandbox testing, and audit logs.
| Method | Path | Operation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| GET | /advancedsearch.php |
SearchArchiveItems | Search archive items Method: GET Path: /advancedsearch.php IMPORTANT: This function has 1 REQUIRED parameter(s) and 4 OPTIONAL parameter(s) REQUIRED parameters MUST be provided OPTIONAL parameters can be omitted if not needed Parameters: Query Parameters: REQUIRED: - q: Advanced Search query expression. OPTIONAL: - fl[]: Fields to return. May be repeated. - rows: Number of results. - page: Result page. - output: Response format. |
| GET | /metadata/{identifier} |
GetItemMetadata | Get item metadata Method: GET Path: /metadata/{identifier} IMPORTANT: This function has 1 REQUIRED parameter(s) and 0 OPTIONAL parameter(s) REQUIRED parameters MUST be provided OPTIONAL parameters can be omitted if not needed Parameters: Path Parameters: REQUIRED: - identifier: Internet Archive item identifier. |
Usage guide
## Authentication Public item search and metadata-read routes in this listing do not require an API key or bearer token. Use a descriptive `User-Agent`, respect Internet Archive bot and rate-limit guidance, and cache metadata when possible. Account authentication is required for write operations, uploads, or private resources; those operations are intentionally not included here. ## Coverage Includes advanced item search and complete item metadata retrieval. Internet Archive records include books, texts, media, and other archive items.
How to use this spec
- Create a free VX Agents account (sandbox tools included).
- Open the marketplace and connect “Internet Archive Metadata API” to an agent.
- Expose it as an MCP server for Claude/ChatGPT, or chat with it directly.