  Many libraries offer free access to digitised historical newspapers via user
interfaces. After an initial period of search and filter options as the only
features, the availability of more advanced tools and the desire for more
options among users has ushered in a period of interface development. However,
this raises a number of open questions and challenges. For example, how can we
provide interfaces for different user groups? What tools should be available on
interfaces and how can we avoid too much complexity? What tools are helpful and
how can we improve usability? This paper will not provide definite answers to
these questions, but it gives an insight into the difficulties, challenges and
risks of using interfaces to investigate historical newspapers. More
importantly, it provides ideas and recommendations for the improvement of user
interfaces and digital tools.
