def getpaths(self, libname):
        """Return a list of paths where the library might be found."""
        if os.path.isabs(libname):
            yield libname
        else:
            # search through a prioritized series of locations for the library

            # we first search any specific directories identified by user
            for dir_i in self.other_dirs:
                for fmt in self.name_formats:
                    # dir_i should be absolute already
                    yield os.path.join(dir_i, fmt % libname)

            # then we search the directory where the generated python interface is stored
            for fmt in self.name_formats:
                yield os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.path.dirname(__file__), fmt % libname))

            # now, use the ctypes tools to try to find the library
            for fmt in self.name_formats:
                path = ctypes.util.find_library(fmt % libname)
                if path:
                    yield path

            # then we search all paths identified as platform-specific lib paths
            for path in self.getplatformpaths(libname):
                yield path

            # Finally, we'll try the users current working directory
            for fmt in self.name_formats:
                yield os.path.abspath(os.path.join(os.path.curdir, fmt % libname))