Abstract
With increasing interest in publishing systematic reviews and other syntheses comes increasing numbers of researchers who want to perform a synthesis, but are unfamiliar with the rigorous methods and requirements of this kind of review. In response to increasing demand, and problems observed in working with researchers new to knowledge synthesis, UHN Library and Information Services designed and implemented a new Knowledge Synthesis Service model to meet the demand while providing an opportunity to educate researchers about guidelines for KS methodology and reporting standards, as well as a mechanism for librarians to control the information published about the search methods, and withdraw from projects that do not meet standards.
Highlights
In response to increasing demand for library support, and problems observed in working with researchers new to knowledge syntheses, University Health Network (UHN) Library and Information Services designed and implemented a new Knowledge Synthesis (KS) Service model to meet the demand while providing an opportunity to educate researchers about KS methodological guidelines and reporting standards
The publication of systematic reviews (SRs) is increasing; many have added to research waste through poor methods and reporting [1]. This increase has been reflected in research activity at University Health Network (UHN); in 2018 alone, there were 138 requests for new SRs received by seven information specialists (ISs)
In response to an increase in requests for IS involvement in KS projects and observed lack of preparedness by researchers in engaging in such projects, UHN Libraries changed their service model from “one-size-fits-all” to a three-tiered model that was generally well received by ISs in the first six months
Summary
The publication of systematic reviews (SRs) is increasing; many have added to research waste through poor methods and reporting [1]. The full service model, ISs are included as part of the research team and contribute to the KS by developing and executing search strategies in all databases required, documenting search results, conducting cited reference searching, downloading search results, updating or rerunning searches, and writing the search methods and corresponding appendix for the manuscript. As part of this service change, the IS team agreed to modify the existing SR request form into a KS proposal form for researchers using the third-tier (Appendix 1). There was concern from six ISs that these changes would result in pushback from clients not willing to write a protocol, or that clients would not be willing to provide co-authorship for the work that was provided: “[...] there is worry about saying that we have to be co-authors, that clients aren't going to want to give us co-authorship or aren’t going to want to work with us... you don’t want to alienate people.” ISs were not clear if this was a real trend, and if it was, whether it was a problem
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