From Pathfinders to Subject Guides: One Library's Experience with LibGuides

Abstract

Subject specialists create pathfinders, toolkits, and subject guides to help patrons find information. These guides have evolved from colorful paper handouts to detailed, Web-based tools. Web-based subject guides work best when librarians are able to create their own Web content. Many tools, such as blogs, wikis, and content management systems, allow nonprogrammers to update Web content on their own. Software designed specifically for creating subject guides further simplifies the task by making it easy to create and maintain interactive, multimedia pathfinders incorporating Web 2.0 features. Web-based and locally hosted options are available. LibGuides, a Web-based tool, has a strong user base and encourages collaboration among libraries.

KEYWORDS:

• Content management systems
• LibGuides
• Library 2.0
• pathfinders
• subject guides
• subject specialists
• Web 2.0