April 2025 Newsletter
April 2025 Newsletter
Galter Library
By Q. Eileen Wafford, Research Librarian
Systematic and scoping reviews are crucial for synthesizing research evidence, often addressing complex questions in health and other fields. These projects are time and resource-intensive, requiring meticulous planning and detailed methodologies.
Researchers embarking on these projects frequently encounter challenges that range from selecting an appropriate review type and navigating the complex review process to structuring exhaustive searches and managing large search results. These challenges naturally lead to further questions throughout the process.
As a practical resource for evidence synthesis projects, Galter Health Sciences Library and Learning Center recently launched its FAQs for Systematic and Scoping Reviews GalterGuide to address common challenges and questions.
Questions About Reviews
The About Reviews section introduces the purpose, scope, and differences between systematic and scoping reviews, helping researchers choose the best approach. It also explores alternative review methods when systematic or scoping reviews may not be suitable.
Duplicative Reviews offers tips to help researchers identify existing reviews on similar topics to ensure originality and avoid redundancy.
Library Collaboration and Team Support
The Collaboration and Team Support section details how researchers can engage with Galter librarians, covering support models, collaboration criteria including the online form to initiate the process, and available training and resources.
Review Planning and Timelines
The Planning, Preparation, and Protocol section guides researchers in developing protocols for transparency and rigor. It outlines key steps in systematic and scoping reviews, including search strategies using Boolean operators. The Timeframes page provides estimated review durations and library-assisted task timelines to aid project planning.
Sources and Searching
Sources and Searching covers database selection and search strategy development. It discusses Boolean operators, ideal search result volumes and librarian support for designing and executing searches.
Managing References and Data
The Reference and Data Management section covers tools such as EndNote and strategies for managing references and data throughout the process and quality assessment. It then outlines how a Galter librarian can assist with tasks related to reference and data management based on the chosen support model.
Screening and Data Extraction
Screening and Data Extraction includes guidance for selecting studies, using predefined criteria and multiple reviewers. While Galter Library lacks a Covidence subscription, alternatives like Rayyan and Excel can assist. This section also explores data extraction methods, translation options for non-English studies and AI tools for screening.
Analysis and Synthesis
The Analysis and Synthesis section addresses conducting meta-analyses, selecting risk of bias (ROB) tools, and assessing bias in studies. It also details Galter Library’s support for these tasks.
Reporting and Dissemination
Within Reporting and Dissemination, guidelines such as PRISMA provide essential guidance on writing and sharing systematic and scoping review findings to ensure clarity, transparency, and comprehensiveness in reporting.
By covering these and other topics, the FAQs for Systematic and Scoping Reviews GalterGuide presents another tool to support researchers navigating evidence synthesis projects like systematic and scoping reviews. Contact your liaison librarian if you have additional questions or for more information.
