Can someone help me perform a systematic review?
Yes! HSL librarians are trained to assist with and teach the Systematic Review process.
Students can use our Ask Us request form to ask questions about search term development, databases, screening, and other systematic review assignment topics.
Librarian involvement in systematic reviews for publication is based on two levels. In Tier 1, the librarian will collaborate with researchers in a consultative manner. In Tier 2, the librarian will be an active member of your research team and co-author on your review. Roles and expectations of librarians vary based on the level of involvement desired. Examples of these differences are outlined in the table below.
| Role | Tasks | Tier 1: Consultative | Tier 2: Research Partner / Co-author |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topic Development | Guidance on process and steps | Yes | Yes |
| Background searching for past and upcoming reviews | Yes | Yes | |
| Development of Eligibility Criteria | Development and/or refinement of review topic | Yes | Yes |
| Assistance with refinement of PICO (population, intervention(s), comparator(s), and key questions | Yes | Yes | |
| Guidance on study types to include | Yes | Yes | |
| Protocol Creation and Registration | Guidance on protocol registration | Yes | Yes |
| Searching | Identification of databases for searches | Yes | Yes |
| Instruction in search techniques and methods | Yes | Yes | |
| Training in citation management software use for managing and sharing results | Yes | Yes | |
| Development and execution of searches | No | Yes | |
| Downloading search results to citation management software and removing duplicates | No | Yes | |
| Documentation of search strategies | No | Yes | |
| Management of search results | No | Yes | |
| Study Selection and Extraction | Guidance on methods | Yes | Yes |
| Guidance on data extraction, and management techniques and software | Yes | Yes | |
| Writing and Publishing | Suggestions of journals to target for publication | Yes | Yes |
| Drafting of literature search description in "Methods" section | No | Yes | |
| Creation of PRISMA diagram | No | Yes | |
| Drafting of literature search appendix | No | Yes | |
| Review other manuscript sections and final draft | No | Yes | |
| Librarian contributions warrant co-authorship | No | Yes |
To request a librarian consultation or collaboration on your review, use our Systematic or Scoping Review Request Form.