Method of searching comprising applying a function to individual elements within a digital work to form a set of index elements. Storing the index elements as an index for the digital work. Receiving a search term. Applying the function to one or more individual elements within the search term to convert the search term into one or more converted search term elements. Identifying a digital work having an index containing one or more index elements that match one or more of the converted search term elements. Returning search results of the identified digital work.Method of searching for a digital work comprising the steps of providing a search term. Receiving search results formulated by applying a function to one or more individual elements within the search term to convert the search term into one or more converted search term elements. Identifying a digital work having an index containing one or more index elements that match one or more of the converted search term elements, wherein the index is formed by applying the function to individual elements within the digital work to form a set of the index elements.Searchable index for a digital work formed by applying a function to individual elements within the digital work to form a set of index elements.