A pathfinder is an annotated research guide created for patrons to help locate current, reliable, authoritative sources on a specific topic. Topics selected for a pathfinder for the Wildcat Learning Commons must be relevant to curriculum, interest to teens, or specifically designed to help an instructor teach a particular topic.
Steps in the process:
1. Select a topic, working with the SLMC that is both relevant and appropriate.
2. Begin research on the topic. Find 5 print resources in the Wildcat Learning Commons to use. Each resource must have a CAARS rubric filled out completely. If you have trouble finding 5 good to excellent resources, please see the SLMC.
3. Research using NC Wise Owl. You will not need to fill out CLAAASS rubrics for these sources. These sources have been vetted for students already by selection to the database. Make sure to check currency and authority. You need 5 resources with the bottom part of the CLAAASS rubric filled out.
4. Research using any search engine you choose. Fill out 5 CLAAASS rubrics, one for each resources you find on the internet, if some resources fall in the Fair to Poor categories, you will need to research more websites until you have at least 5 that are in the Excellent to Good range. Wikipedia is not a good resource but may be starting place to find good resources.
5. Now there are a total of at least 15 resources. You will begin to format the pathfinder.
Pathfinder Guidelines
Centered Title
Scope Statement
This is a statement about the topic being researched. This should include time periods, specific items, or other identifying information.
Introduction
A short history of the topic and for whom it has been researched and written.
Subject Headings (Keywords)
What keywords did you use in searching? How do you think this would be classified in the DDS? Find the SEARS subject headings for your topic. Place the DDS numbers here, as well.
Print Materials
Call Number Title of work Number of stars (1-4)
full citation (from NCWiseOwl citation maker)
Your assessment from the CAARS rubric should appear here. Make sure to note whether this is a good or excellent resource. This should be 3-6 good sentences with examples from the resource, including at least 3 criteria from the rubric. If this book is a reference material, please note that it is shelved in a different location and has a different check-out time.
There will be four more print materials.
NC Wise Owl Database Materials
Title of work Number of stars (1-4)
full citation with full URL
Your assessment from the CLAAASS rubric should appear here. Make sure to note whether this is a good or excellent resource. This should be 3-6 good sentences with examples from the resource including at least 3 criteria from the rubric.
There will be four more NC Wise Owl resources.
Internet Materials
Title of work Number of stars (1-4)
full citation with full URL
Your assessment from the CLAAASS rubric should appear here. Make sure to note whether this is a good or excellent resource. This should be 3-6 good sentences with examples from the resource including at least 3 criteria from the rubric.
There will be four more Internet resources.
Page x of y
Student Name
Semester/Year
Format: