Systematic Reviews
Undertaking a systematic review
A systematic review is a specific research methodology with well-defined, internationally accepted characteristics. The library provides resources and support so you can independently carry out systematic literature searching.
To begin, visit the self-paced Systematic Literature Searching module in FLO (FAN login required) before attending a drop-in session, where you can get help with troubleshooting systematic reviews.
Need more help?
We have a number of comprehensive fact sheets which provide further information on conducting a search. Post-doctoral researchers can also arrange a consultation with a librarian.
Consulting a librarian
Librarians support the Flinders University research community in their undertaking of systematic review activity through the provision of online training, workshops, and consultations when required. View the available services for your research project.
The self-paced Systematic Literature Searching course in FLO (FAN login required) provides information on how to work through systematic literature searching.
For guidance on how to use the FLO course to your advantage and ask questions about undertaking a search, the library runs frequent drop-in sessions you can attend.
If you are an HDR student and new to systematic reviews, we suggest that you work through the FLO module Preparing for a review (15-30mins) before attending, to ensure you get the most from your time in the session.
If you have done a systematic review previously (or have done training from another source) please complete Design your project - checklist prior to attending a drop-in.
In the drop-in sessions the librarians can check over your search provide you with advice on:
- how well your search fits with your research question
- any redundant or missing terms and with general search syntax (logic, spelling and appropriate Boolean operators)
- general questions on review software such as JBI SUMARI and Covidence
- troubleshooting search translation into various databases
If your systematic review is intended to inform PhD research or other examinable work, in accordance with the University’s Academic Integrity Policy, the librarian is not able to conduct the searches and translate into multiple sources.
Librarian acknowledgement welcomed in any reports or research publications, but not required.
An advanced service is available to support post-doctoral researchers undertaking systematic reviews; credit of the librarian’s contribution should be made in any publication’s acknowledgements.
You are able to consult a librarian from the Library Research Engagement team, who will inform you when they have capacity to take on your request; prior online preparation is required. If you are new to systematic reviews, we require that you work through the FLO module Preparing for a Review (15-30mins) prior to meeting with a librarian, to ensure you get the most from your appointment time.
If you have done a systematic review previously (or have done training from another source) please complete Design your project - checklist in preparation for your consultation.
Overview of support available for this service level:
| Part of search | Support provided by librarian |
| Part A: Initial search |
|
| Part B: Main search |
|
| Part C: Managing citations |
|
| Part D: Documentation |
|
A librarian can form part of the systematic review team as a co-author with post-doctoral researchers and will provide an agreed number of hours of research services.
Overview of support available for this service level:
| Part of search | Support provided by librarian |
| Part A: Initial search |
|
| Part B: Main search |
|
| Part C: Managing citations |
|
| Part D: Documentation |
|
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Email: library@flinders.edu.au
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