Searching for library resources has been made a lot better!
The University of Toronto Libraries search system underwent a massive upgrade in February 2021. The new LibrarySearch surpasses our previous system of 18 years duration in its ability to search for and access both electronic and print resources. It was launched on February 16, 2021.
Discovering and getting to our highly-rated and diverse collection of books, e-books, journal articles, primary sources, and more – the information you need for your research, teaching and learning – has been improved in multiple ways. Have a look at this collection of FAQs on how to use the new system, as well as this detailed Library Search Tips research guide.
Recent updates | Improvements | Features | Changes | Help
Recent updates
September 2021 update
The drop-down menu in LibrarySearch now includes an option to search COURSE RESERVES, along with searching EVERYTHING. Here is a FAQ on the topic.
August 2021 update
UTL's Curbside Pickup Service will be ending as the stacks are due to reopen on Tuesday September 7. – (August 20, 2021)
- Last day for requests: Thursday August 26, 5 pm.
- Last day for pick up: Friday September 3. Robarts pickup desk closes at 4 pm.
- Check other libraries' websites for their pickup desk hours.
July 2021 update
In early Fall 2021, the drop-down menu in LibrarySearch for choosing to search in CATALOGUE or ARTICLES or EVERYTHING will change to just EVERYTHING. This change is being made to ensure that users retrieve as many e-resources that fit their search as possible.
Questions? Email libraryhelp@utoronto.ca or chat with us.
Some improvements
- Single integrated search for books, articles, journals, and more
- Better searching and access to electronic, digital, and print collections
- Search across many resource types: Content from HathiTrust*, Internet Archives, and the Center for Research Libraries no longer need to be searched separately
- * Access to HathiTrust ETAS has ended as of September 7, 2021
- Customized user experience: Sign in to save your searches and favourite items – save time and easily switch between devices without having to start over
- Better filtering: More filters available to sort through and refine search results
More new features
- Get article PDFs seamlessly: Links to PDFs right within article records!
- Sort and refine: More filters – peer-reviewed for articles, open access, library, availability, subjects – available to work with your search results
- For experienced searchers: Advanced search mode with full Boolean capacity
- Keep your stuff: Save previous searches and results in 'My Favourites'
- Get organized: Pin and tag your saved materials for easy retrieval
- Pay fines and place holds
- Cite it right! Choose from 7 citation styles in which to cite your sources
- Citation exporting: Seamlessly export citations to citation managers such as Zotero and RefWorks
- Citation trails: See who has cited a particular article
- Virtual serendipity: Browse the library shelves virtually!
What else is changing?
New Library Services Platform (LSP): Our new LSP provides the behind-the-scenes foundation for the new LibrarySearch. It is a modernized system for improved management of library materials and user information.
UTL homepage: The homepage is where people can start their search, so changes have been made to enable this new search system.
Classic catalogue: The new system requires the retirement of the classic catalogue, which was a very useful workaround for lacks in the previous system. With the new LSP, it is no longer needed.
Better for everyone: Improved services to faculty and students since the new system makes behind-the-scenes work more efficient and consistent. It also allows library staff to better share their expertise across the library system.
Help for users: Library staff can help you become better acquainted with the search interface. We have updated our FAQs and instructional videos will be coming soon. As always, our usual help avenues are standing by.
Alumni and community borrowers: If you would like to be issued a UTORid so that you can log in to request loans or access your account information, please contact Reader Registration at reader.reg@utoronto.ca
Hospital researchers and preceptors: You will be issued a UTORid so that you can login to the databases or to request loans or access your account information (where appropriate). Email notices containing this credential will be sent to most of those eligible for this service.
NOTE: Access to popular databases, databases by title, and databases by Subjects A – Z will remain the same.
Get help / Questions?
Review this collection of FAQs about how to use LibrarySearch.
Consult this detailed Library Search Tips research guide.
Contact us at libraryhelp@utoronto.ca
Faculty members: Reach out to the Liaison Librarian in your subject areas.
– Updated October 21, 2021