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Library & Research Readiness Series for Canvas Commons

This series contains modules for use in Canvas course shells. Each module is dedicated to exploring information literacy and/or library use topics, each intended to offer an asynchronous method of delivering content to prepare students for academic resear

Using Primo Pathfinder

This module (Library & Research Readiness: Using Primo Pathfinder) has the following Goals & Outcomes:

After completing this module, students will know:

1) where to find Primo Pathfinder on the library's website

2) what Primo Pathfinder is used for

3) how to use Primo Pathfinder to find articles and books in the library's collection

4) how to use Primo Pathfinder to cite and save materials

It was built with the following components:

  • Goals for the module (student learning outcomes)
  • Pages with text/screenshots to explain the critical utility and purpose of Pathfinder in research at UAH, such as tools for finding, organizing, and citing information
  • Four (4) videos instructing users on how to use the essential tools in Pathfinder:
    • How to Read an Item Record in Pathfinder (8:30 min.): description of and how to locate the bibliographic information available in an item record, as well as how that data can inform continuation of the research process (finding where to go next, citation formatting for reference pages, etc.)
    • Basic Searching and Filters in Pathfinder (7:22 min.): overview of how best to conduct basic, introductory searches in Pathfinder, as well as a brief introduction to essential filters for academic articles and book, with a suggestion as how to use basic Boolean searching (AND, OR, NOT) in Pathfinder
    • Advanced Searching in Pathfinder (11:43 min.): overview of the use of the advanced search boxes for more granular and controlled searching
    • Placing Requests in Pathfinder to Hold Books for You (3:17 min.): instructions on using Pathfinder to request print books within the collection be held for you by using your library account features
  • A 5-question multiple-choice quiz (a 5-point practice quiz in Canvas) to assess student retention of this information.
  • A link to a brief online feedback survey, so that students can share their feedback with the Library.

If you have any questions about this module or any of the other Library & Research Readiness modules in Canvas Commons, please contact both Michael.Manasco@uah.edu and Ron.Schwertfeger@uah.edu. 

Find the module here in Canvas Commons.