Classroom » Reference
pathfinder
A list of resources, both print and web-based, about a particular subject area.
Additional information
Pathfinders have been used, mainly by librarians, since the 1970s to help people find information in a particular subject area. As you can imagine, pathfinders originally listed print resources, from books and articles to primary source collections and subject-specific bibliographies. Depending on the scope of the subject and availability of resources, the pathfinder could be crafted to list only resources available in its particular location or to include resources from other institutions.
With ever-increasing reliance upon the internet as a means of accessing information and conducting research, librarians have expanded the scope of the pathfinder to include materials published on the web, such as websites, subject specific databases, and portals.
While some pathfinders may merely list citations for resources, others will include an annotation for each item that contains such information as a summary of the resource, strengths, shortcomings, and tips on use. Unlike a bibliography, a pathfinder is not an exhaustive catalog of resources on particular topic, but is a carefully selected list of quality resources appropriate for a specific audience. The pathfinder might include additional features such as a brief introduction to the subject or how to conduct or phrase a search for related materials.
A pathfinder can be distributed in a variety of formats from an informal flier to a bookmark or a tri-fold brochure. And on many library websites you will find web-based pathfinders that link to the online resources and list the relevant print resources.
Putting pathfinders in a K–12 educational context, many school librarians and teachers will create pathfinders of carefully selected resources, both in print and on the web, that support the needs of their students and fellow teachers. Topics may focus on a specific curricular area or a research project that comes up year after year, such as American Indians in North Carolina or mythological figures. But pathfinder subjects can also concentrate on subjects that are important to students’ lives like choosing a college or teen health. Teachers may benefit from a collection of professional pathfinders with topics that could range from coping with stress to inquiry learning.
Examples and resources
The Internet Public Library Pathfinders are “expert guides intended to help you get started doing research on a particular topic, both online and at your local library.” Divided into eleven broad categories, these guides cover an array of topics ranging from find art images online (explains which search engine is best for this task and why!) to women’s studies.
Designing Pathfinders for Children and Young Adults from Annette Lamb contains useful tips on what to include in your pathfinder and how to select resources as well as thoughts on design. Follow her links to see examples.
Creating pathfinders is also a great way for students to develop research and critical thinking skills. See Melissa Thibault’s article, The Student Pathfinder.
