The McClure chronicles: An inquiry into pathfinders for the digital age (Michael McClure)

This project explores translating the librarians' traditional reference pathfinder into a digital format for use on the Internet. Since the first generation of "native users" of the Internet tends to discount libraries as a source of information, it was hoped that such a pathfinder could demonstrate that for some materials, they are the best resource. A sample website was developed based on the work of poet Michael McClure, who has both a large audience in the target age range and a substantial body of work in libraries--much of it out of print and otherwise unavailable. The website, http://mcclure-manzarek.com, includes an OPAC tutorial, MARC record, and use suggestions for librarians, as well as a biography, bibliography, and contextual material on the poet. This report discusses the design considerations, development and user response to the site.