The Systematic and Scoping Review Service at the CMSRU Library is designed to connect researchers with librarians who are knowledgeable about the systematic review process, and able to provide the expert searching that is essential for creating high-quality systematic and scoping reviews.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends that those undertaking a systematic review, “work with a librarian or other information specialist trained in performing systematic reviews to plan the search strategy.” (Standard 3.1.1)
It is recommended that librarians be included from the outset in the systematic review process. This because: 1) librarians can provide important input regarding the assignation of tasks, timeline generation, etc., and 2) search construction and database searching requires time and effort (the exact time required for each review varies and you should contact a librarian for more information) (for more information on systematic review timelines, see the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions), so bringing in a librarian('s) right at the beginning of the process can translate into the review being completed at the earliest possible date.
Below are some of the ways a librarian('s) can be of assistance with a systematic or scoping review:
A librarian’s part in the systematic review process represents a significant scholarly contribution to the research project. As such, it is expected that a librarian participating in a systematic review will be named as a co-author in the final manuscript of the review or a co-investigator or consultant in a grant proposal. View our tiered service box in this guide for more information.
To request librarian participation in your systematic review project, please fill out our request form on this guide. A librarian will be in touch with you shortly thereafter.
Still Have Questions? Contact us.
Many parts of this guide were reused from Cornell University's Evidence Synthesis Guide which is CC BY licensed. (This guide is also CC-BY licensed.)