Systematiska översikter vid SLU: vad är SLU-bibliotekets roll?

Increasingly more researchers within SLU’s subject areas are using systematic reviews for answering research questions and mapping out the literature in their subject area. This is reflected in the number of questions that come in to the library regarding help with systematic searches. In order to increase the competence within the SLU University Library and to better understand the need of support for researchers, a project was started with the aim to define what role the library should play in the often complex and extensive work with systematic reviews. In the project we have chosen to extend the definition of the term systematic review (swe. systematiska översikter) to include all studies where systematic methods have been used to search for, collect, screen and synthesise research literature. An extensive literature search was conducted to map out researchers at SLU that has published systematic reviews, what methods they have used, how the literature search was conducted and how well it was documented. Six researchers from different subjects were chosen for in-depth interviews. The mapping clearly showed that the publishing of systematic reviews from SLU has steadily increased since 2002. Altogether, 78 researchers were identified, with almost all SLU’s subjects represented. There was a large variation in how the systematic reviews were conducted, and a guide or protocol for systematic reviews had seldom been followed. The mapping and the interviews gave a clear picture that the library with its core competencies, with relatively small means can help improve search strategies and documentation of systematic literature searches. But the library can also contribute with an overall grasp and understanding of the method and have a consulting role for how the method can be adapted for the needs of individual research groups. However, it puts great demands on flexibility and competence on the library to have this role. The conclusion from the project was that the library can be a hub for systematic reviews at SLU and primarily have a consulting role by offering individual meetings with research groups. The counselling role includes hands-on advice on scoping and documentation of searches and search results, orientation about sources of information, overall supervising in systematic methods and to maintain a network of contacts to mediate and share experiences with systematic reviews, both internally and externally.