Library pathfinders, also known as research guides or guides to the literature, are essential tools created by libraries to support user education and reference services. Their primary function is to help a researcher, student, or any library user systematically find primary, secondary, and tertiary sources of information on a specific subject.
Definition and Purpose
A pathfinder or guide is a compilation of information and resources designed to assist users in their research on a particular topic. These guides are a key component of bibliographic instruction and user education, which aim to equip users with the skills to effectively use library resources.
The core purposes of these guides are:
- To provide a starting point for research on a topic.
- To help users understand library arrangements and locate appropriate sources.
- To assist users in developing effective search strategies.
- To act as a time-saving device for both the user and the library staff.
Reference librarians often compile these guides and bibliographies to bring readers to the materials they need.
Categorisation as an Information Source
Library pathfinders and guides are classified as tertiary sources of information. A tertiary source is one that is entirely dependent on secondary sources (like bibliographies) or a combination of primary and secondary sources for its existence. These guides act as a key to both primary and secondary sources, directing users to the most relevant materials for their topic. Other examples of tertiary sources mentioned in the texts include a "bibliography of bibliographies" and a "directory of directories".
Role in User Education
Pathfinders are a fundamental method for delivering user education. The sources describe this as the "pathfinder or search strategy approach," which is a user-centered model that focuses on the process of information searching and use, empowering the user to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
These guides can take various forms to meet different user needs:
- Simple Guides: For new users, a library might provide printed guides or brochures as part of its library orientation program to explain the library's layout, services, and general rules.
- Detailed Research Guides: For students and researchers, more comprehensive guides are created to provide in-depth information on the literature of a specific subject. These are closely integrated with academic teaching programs and involve cooperation between librarians and faculty to ensure students learn that using the library is a necessary and rewarding part of education.
By compiling resources such as books, periodical articles, reports, and other documents, these guides help a user gain a comprehensive overview of the literature available on their topic, thus fulfilling a key objective of reference and bibliographic services.