The Library of Congress announced plans to finally retire the Thomas.gov web portal this summer after almost 21 years of public service. Library staff have finished migrating the site’s data over to the newer Congress.gov and plan to turn off the old site on July 5.
Thomas.gov launched in 1995 — named after the library’s biggest benefactor, Thomas Jefferson — as a central online repository for everything going on in the legislative branch, including bills, committee reports, the Congressional record and other public documents.
And while the site has been updated occasionally over the years, the underlying structure wasn’t capable of incorporating the latest best practices in web design. The newer Congress.gov site “applies modern design and infrastructure to the robust legislative data sets, with mobile-friendly access, faceted search and other features,” according to the April 28 announcement.
“The Library is well-positioned for the future with Congress.gov,” acting Librarian of Congress David Mao said. “I applaud the visionary leaders who launched Thomas two decades ago and I congratulate and thank the many talented individuals at the Library and throughout the legislative branch who have transitioned that resource into the 21st century with Congress.gov.”
Congress.gov launched in 2012 as a beta site, operating concurrently with Thomas during the transition.
To help users get used to the new system, the Library is offering online training for the new site, with the next session scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 19.
“Free access to legislative information that anyone can search for and read is central to an informed democracy,” Mao said. “I invite and encourage everyone to use this resource. It is here for you to learn about, to connect with, to better understand your representative government.”
