How do HSL librarians assist with systematic reviews and scoping reviews?
Systematic reviews follow established guidelines and best practices to produce high-quality research. At UNC Health Sciences Library, librarian involvement in systematic reviews 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 |