The Evolution of a Mediated Systematic Review Search Service

ABSTRACT

Librarian contribution to systematic reviews and other evidence summaries is well-documented. Many libraries offer sophisticated support, including mediated search services. Tiered services are beginning to emerge, but few libraries offer fee-for-service models.

This paper updates an earlier mediated search pilot delivered by the Health team at Deakin University library. The service has evolved to an expanded multi-tier model with a fee-for-service top tier. The tiers consist of online self-help and consultations through to proof-reading of searches, mediated search design and search translation.

This new model was trialled and operationalised during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a time with greater researcher focus on reviews than on field or lab-based research due to lockdown restrictions. This increased demand contributed to service development.

The multi-tier model provided opportunity for librarian skill development including peer upskilling and co-authorship. Recognition of librarian contribution is important in mediated searching.

The multi-tier service will continue to evolve. There is currently appetite amongst researchers for fee-for-service mediated search. Deakin librarians have also been working with researchers in emerging automation and living reviews and these technologies are likely to impact future directions of the services. Growth in other disciplines may also influence service expansion.

KEYWORDS:

• Mediated searching
• systematic review support
• scoping review support
• librarians as authors
• academic libraries

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Louisa Sher, Jill Stephens and Rachel West, members of the Health team (in addition to the authors) who have delivered the mediated search service. Thank you also to Sabina Robertson and Clare Carlsson for comments on the paper.

Disclosure Statement

Each of the authors has contributed to the delivery of the mediated service. F.R. is on the Board of the Journal of the Australian Library and Information Association.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Fiona Russell

Fiona Russell is currently Manager, Faculty of Health Library Services at Deakin University Library, leading a team of liaison librarians to deliver services to the Faculty. Her diverse professional interests span from health librarianship and research data management through to professional development and communications.

Lisa Grbin

Lisa Grbin is a Health Liaison Librarian at Deakin University. Her interests include systematic literature searching and exploring different technologies to support learning and teaching.

Frances Beard

Frances Beard is a Health Librarian at Deakin University with a focus on Psychology, Nursing & Midwifery, and Health & Social Development areas. Her interests include systematic searching and supporting Indigenous Knowledges Education.

Julie Higgins

Julie Higgins is a Health Liaison Librarian at Deakin University and has a background as an allied health professional. Her interests include social justice and equity, and supporting the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, cultures and histories into course curricula.

Blair Kelly

Blair Kelly is Medical Librarian at Deakin University, working with students, researchers and teachers across the School of Medicine. His interests include digital fluency, inclusive spaces and systematic literature searching.