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Understanding the uses of a digital library like Gallica requires one to renew the investigative devices traditionally used by libraries, through the semi-automatized exploration of server data. This exploration requires mathematical models that make the dialogue between researchers and library professionals more difficult. A research project conducted by the Bibliothèque nationale de France and Télécom ParisTech on Gallica’s logs shows the possibility of using data mining in a dialogue where researchers and professionals try to enlighten each other on the decisions to be made in order to conduct a relevant analysis. It also highlights the importance of combining scientific methods to understand online uses, none of which can claim to be self-sufficient.