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Systematic Reviews

Things to consider before starting a systematic review

A systematic review is a specific research methodology with well-defined, internationally accepted characteristics. The library has created a self-paced and self-enrolled  FLO module (FAN log in required) Systematic Literature searching' which covers:

  • What is a systematic review? And meta-analysis?
  • What does a systematic review look like?
  • What is involved in doing a systematic review?
  • Practical requirements for doing a systematic review
  • Where to find systematic reviews
  • Standards, guidelines, manuals
  • Designing your protocol (systematic review plan)

Consulting a Librarian

College and Research Services Librarians can assist with systematic literature searching for both systematic reviews and literature reviews being undertaken by academics, researchers and HDR students.

If you are new to systematic reviews, we require that you work through the FLO module Preparing for a review  (15-30mins) before meeting with a librarian. This ensures 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.

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.

Contact us via ServiceOne or Book an appointment

Flinders University 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. The following support model details the extent to which this team can support requests from across the research community. It is based on a three-tier model that has been well established at other academic institutions such as Sydney University and Stanford University.

Please be aware that all requests are dependent on team capacity and workloads and that we may need to defer some requests if necessary.

 Acknowledgements:

A number of sources were consulted in preparing these guidelines, both national and international, with particular reference to the University of Sydney Library, see https://library.sydney.edu.au/research/downloads/sr-servicecharter.pdf

The three levels of service are as follows:

Usually up to 3 hours of service.

Research (HDR) students undertaking systematic reviews as part of their candidature and is sensitive to the University’s Academic Integrity policy while also supporting student learning.

Prequisites for this consultation include:

If you are new to systematic reviews, we require that you work through the FLO module Preparing for a Review (15-30mins) before meeting with a librarian. This ensures 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.

 

Part A Initial Search

 

Provide advice on finding existing systematic reviews.

 

Provide advice and guidance on identifying key articles and search terms.

 

Recommend databases for your subject area

Pre-specify inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Part B Main Search

 

Review or refine the research question/topic.

 

Help to identify main concepts using appropriate tools.

 

Review or create one search strategy in a major database.

 

Edit search strategies based on results.

 

Part C Managing Citations

 

Provide support for reference management (e.g. Endnote)

 

 

 

Notes: We require an initial search strategy to be emailed before your first consultation. We do not execute searches on your behalf, screen or collate results, or locate full-text content.

Usually up to 6 hours of service.

Available to support post-doctoral researchers undertaking systematic reviews; credit of the Librarian’s contribution should be made in any publication’s Acknowledgements.

Prequisites for this consultation include:

If you are new to systematic reviews, we require that you work through the FLO module Preparing for a Review (15-30mins) before meeting with a librarian. This ensures 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.

Part A Initial Search

 

Provide advice on finding existing systematic reviews.

 

Identify key articles and search terms.

 

Pre-specify inclusion/exclusion criteria

Part B Main Search

 

Review or refine the research question/topic.

 

Identify main concepts using appropriate tools.

 

Review or create up to three search strategies in major databases.

 

Edit search strategies based on results.

 

Part C Managing Citations

 

Provide support for reference management (e.g. Endnote)

 

 

Part D Documentation

 

Provide advice on documenting search results (e.g. PRISMA).

 

 

Contact us via ServiceOne or Book an appointment

Hours of service are by negotiation.

Offered as a co-authorship with post-doctoral researchers and will provide an agreed number of hours of research services as a part of the Systematic Review team.

Please contact the Library’s Coordinator (Research Engagement) to discuss consultations at this level.

Part A Initial Search

 

Provide advice on finding existing systematic reviews.

 

Identify key articles and search terms.

 

Pre-specify inclusion/exclusion criteria

Part B Main Search

 

Review or refine the research question/topic.

 

Identify main concepts using appropriate tools.

 

Review or create up to three search strategies in major databases.

 

Edit search strategies based on results.

 

Run searches and extract results.

 

Part C Managing Citations

 

Provide support for reference management (e.g. Endnote)

 

De-duplicate references and prepare Endnote library.

 

 

Part D Documentation

 

Provide advice on documenting search results (e.g. PRISMA).

 

Contribute to Methods section of the paper.

 

Provide copies of search strategies for Appendices.

 

 

Making an Appointment

You may benefit from a personalised research consultation if you are undertaking a Systematic or Literature Review and are:

  • needing guidance with search tools and planning your search strategy
  • unsure whether you have located all relevant resources
  • wanting assistance to identify and search the Library's specialist databases  

Appointments are 1 hour and are by phone or online.

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South Australia 5042

Ph: 1300 354 633 (Select 3)
Email: library@flinders.edu.au

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Last Updated: 27 May 2022
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