The Systematic Review Team: Contributions of the Health Sciences Librarian

Abstract

While the role of the librarian as an expert searcher in the systematic review process is widely recognized, librarians also can be enlisted to help systematic review teams with other challenges. This article reviews the contributions of librarians to systematic reviews, including communicating methods of the review process, collaboratively formulating the research question and exclusion criteria, formulating the search strategy on a variety of databases, documenting the searches, record keeping, and writing the search methodology. It also discusses challenges encountered such as irregular timelines, providing education, communication, and learning new technologies for record keeping. Rewards include building relationships with researchers, expanding professional expertise, and receiving recognition for contributions to health care outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Expert searcher
• health sciences librarians
• librarian's role
• systematic reviews

Acknowledgments

This article is based on a presentation made to the Cochrane Skin Group Annual Meeting, Aurora, Colorado, September 16, 2010.

Comments and suggestions should be sent to the Column Editors: Cheryl R. Dee ([email protected]), Jane Bridges ([email protected]), Margaret Bandy ([email protected]), and Hope Leman ([email protected]).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rosalind F. Dudden

Rosalind F. Dudden, MLA, AHIP, FMLA ([email protected]) is Director, Library and Knowledge Services, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206.

Shandra L. Protzko

Shandra L. Protzko, MS, AHIP ([email protected]) is Information Specialist, Library and Knowledge Services, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206.