What is a Pathfinder?
A Pathfinder is an organizational tool for internet resources. Nowadays a Google search can end up with millions of results, which is a vast amount of information to sort through. The goal of a Pathfinder is to help people find what they need within a database, such as this one for the Library of Congress. A Pathfinder is structured for the user, it provides links to navigate the database to arrive at the information the user wants to find. This is generally done by starting with general information, and then becoming more specific with subtopics of the original topic.
Why should I use a Pathfinder?
Pathfinders are tools to help users find internet resources. It is entirely possible to find information without one, but a Pathfinder can help a user find the information they want quicker. Furthermore, it provides the user with a general progression of the knowledge, starting with broad information and then narrowing to smaller portions of the information. This can be useful to follow, as someone that does not know what they are researching might find following the Pathfinder presents them the information in a way that makes more sense.
Works Cited
The heart and the path. (2015, October 19). Retrieved November 17, 2016, from http://daylescommunitycafe.com/2015/10/the-heart-and-the-path/
Mann, A. (2009, December 13). How to make a good library pathfinder. Retrieved November 15, 2016, from https://amycmann.wordpress.com/practical-experience/continuing-staff-development/make-a-pathfinder/
Mann, A. (2009, December 13). How to make a good library pathfinder. Retrieved November 15, 2016, from https://amycmann.wordpress.com/practical-experience/continuing-staff-development/make-a-pathfinder/