Making OCR-ed PDFs searchable using the Search Block

Site URL: http://www.granvillehistory.org/

Hi, I run the website for our local historical society, and we have uploaded OCR-ed PDFs of our quarterly journal.  I would love to make those PDFs searchable through the SquareSpace search block so that people can find the issues they are interested in, but it seems that the search block will only find content on pages, not on linked/uploaded files.  Is there a way to do this or a work-around that someone can suggest?  

Thanks,
--Bill
 

Squarespace search is basic and doesn't do this. The only way to do this is to use a third party search service.

Thanks for your reply.  Such are the joys of SquareSpace, I suppose: the big things are usually drop-dead simple and easy, while the smaller details and special cases can often be literally impossible.  I appreciate your responding!

Me too! I would like to create a searchable OCR-rendered pdf library in squarespace.  Which 3rd party search services would work with SS? 

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but Squarespace doesn't do this.

As far as I know, SquareSpace's search block doesn't currently have the ability to search the contents of uploaded PDF files. But you can use a third-party search tool, such as Swiftype or Algolia. These tools can index and search the contents of your PDF files, making it easier for visitors to find the issues they're interested in. As for me, I use the app developed by https://smartengines.com/, as it's the best match for my needs. So, the decision is up to you. It may take some extra effort, but it will provide your visitors with a more seamless search experience.

I am currently trying to do this with a non-profit client of mine who has a library of pdfs scanned/ocr ready to go. I am just having trouble finding a good 3rd party service that will house the documents, and index them. Issuu doesn't allow for indexing of the pdfs.