New Website Staff Blog

Starting today, 20% of users who visit the iBistro catalogue (http://catalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca) will be redirected to a web page introducing the new website. At the same time, a cookie will be added to their computer which declares them a new site user. This means that the next time they visit the main website or the catalogue, they will automatically be sent to the new site instead.

Why is the launch being done this way?

We are taking this approach in order to monitor the new website’s performance and make sure we have time to adjust if needed.

How is the change being communicated to customers?

Customers who are redirected from the catalogue will land on an explanatory page introducing them to the new website. We will also be posting information on the Web Team Blog.

How can I access iBistro?

You can get to iBistro by clicking the “Old Catalogue” link on the new website or by using this URL: http://oldcatalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca.

How can I access pages on the old TPL Website?

You will only be redirected when you try to go to the homepage (www.torontopubliclibrary.ca) of the old site. You can still go to sub-pages if you have them bookmarked or if you search for them through Google.

How can I stop being redirected to the new website?

We encourage you to use the new site and provide feedback. However, if you do not want to be directed to it automatically, you can clear the new website cookie from your browser. The steps for clearing cookies vary depending on which browser you’re using; follow the instructions on this website.

Does this affect staff computers?

Yes. If you get redirected to the new website introduction page when accessing iBistro, a cookie will be set, and you will be directed to the new website every time you try to go to the old website homepage or catalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca.

Does this affect the public computers?

Sort of. If a user clicks a link to iBistro on one of the public computers, he/she may be redirected to the new website. The cookie will then be set on that public computer, but only for the duration of the user’s session. (Cookies are erased each time a session ends in Reserve a Computer.)

Does this affect the PAC-only public workstations?

No. The cookie will not be set on PAC workstations. The link from the Ingenieum menu on PACs will point to oldcatalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca.

I need help using the new website.

You can find the answers to some frequently-asked questions about the new site (including tips for searching, how to find popular content and more) on the public FAQ page.

Content is missing from the new website.

Content is gradually being migrated over from the old website to the new website. We reviewed the statistics of what gets used frequently to determine what content should be moved over as a priority and we are continuing to refine sections and add remaining content. If you are looking for something specific and can’t find it, please email the web team.

Why is the new website’s URL still beta.torontopubliclibrary.ca?

The URL will remain “beta” during the transition period. Once the launch is complete, the URL will change to http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca and the old website will move to oldwebsite.torontopubliclibrary.ca. The iBistro catalogue will continue to be available at oldcatalogue.torontopubliclibrary.ca.

What are the next steps for the launch?

We expect to complete the transition in the next few weeks and will communicate more to you when the final cut-over is completed.

What should I do if I receive questions and comments from the public?

The FAQ page provides information to help address some questions from the public. For other questions and comments, you can direct customers to the standard customer feedback channels (online customer feedback form or paper version) or to the Web Team Blog.

More help and FAQs

For help with searching, navigating, and other features of the new website, see the public FAQ page.