Acknowledging Librarians’ Contributions to Systematic Review Searching

Abstract

<p>Abstract</p><p> </p><p>Introduction</p><p>Academic health librarians are increasingly involved as members of research teams that conduct systematic reviews. Sometimes librarians are co-authors on the resulting publications, sometimes they are acknowledged, and sometimes they receive no recognition. This study was designed to query librarian supervisors’ understanding of the extent to which Canadian academic health librarians are involved in systematic reviews and the manner in which their work is recognized.</p><p> </p><p>Methods</p><p>A survey asking 21 questions was sent to supervisors of librarians at all 17 academic health sciences libraries in Canada, querying the extent and nature of librarians’ involvement in systematic review research projects and the forms of acknowledgement that they receive.</p><p> </p><p>Results</p><p>Fourteen responses to the survey were received. Results show strong expectations that librarians are involved, and will be involved, in systematic review research projects. Results related to the number of reviews undertaken, the amount of time required, the forms of acknowledgement received, and the professional value of systematic review searching varied greatly.</p><p> </p><p>Discussion</p><p>The lack of consensus among academic health librarians’ supervisors regarding most aspects of librarians’ involvement in systematic review projects, and the ways in which this work is and should be acknowledged, points to the need for research on this subject. </p><p> </p>

It takes longer than you think: librarian time spent on systematic review tasks

“…Many librarians start their professional careers without the benefit of SR training in graduate school. While post-degree training courses are available, librarians may not have opportunities to engage in SRs as part of their regular duties, making it difficult to hone their SR skills [ 18 ].…”

“…A survey of supervisors at Canadian academic health sciences libraries showed a lack of consensus regarding the involvement of librarians in SRs. Supervisors most often expected librarians to engage in developing the search strategy, translating the search across databases, and managing citations [ 18 ]. However, institutional climate (supervisor or librarian point of view) might or might not affect the perception that participation in SRs should be part of a librarian’s core responsibilities [ 8 , 10 ].…”

Research-Embedded Health Librarians as Facilitators of a Multidisciplinary Scoping Review

“…The role of the librarian is largely created, defined, and funded by their research team; therefore, the success of this type of program hinges on the level to which researchers value collaboration with, and utilize the support of, librarians. Collaborations with research teams like PedPalASCNET provide opportunities for librarians to gain greater insights into the operations of research teams, to develop closer professional relationships and connections with researchers, and to make significant contributions to research projects which may or may not be acknowledged through co-authorship [14].…”

Early Childhood Health Outcomes Following In Utero Exposure to Influenza Vaccines: A Systematic Review

“…Our search included experimental and observational studies, including cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. As recommended, 30,31 we consulted with a medical librarian to develop our search strategy.…”

“…b Low risk of bias: overall risk of bias score $8; high risk of bias: overall risk of bias score ,8. c All criteria receives a maximum score of 1 X except for comparability of study groups where an additional X may be allocated for the control of additional important confounders. 30…”