For a practical demonstration on how to search for research articles and grey literature, have a look at our short videos:
iSkills for Medicine: Literature searching – getting started
iSkills for Medicine: Searching systematically
ISkills for Medicine: Systematic Reviews, scoping reviews and evidence syntheses – getting started
ISkills for Medicine: Advanced systematic review search clinic
ISkills for Medicine: Reference management – Endnote, Refworks & Zotero
These workshops are aimed at healthcare staff, students and researchers and are open to everyone within the University and OUH NHS Foundation Trust.
Our outreach librarians and subject librarians have experience in collaborating with researchers and training individuals conducting systematic reviews. We can provide advice, support and training on:
Scoping literature searches for review protocols
Developing search strategies
Peer reviewing search strategies using the PRESS checklist
Using methodological search filters
Selecting databases
Identifying grey literature and on-going research
Managing references
Using review management software
Setting up search alerts
Reporting search methodology
We can be involved in the following ways:
As consultants we will give advice on search strategy development, database selection and reference management. We often take this role in supporting students who are conducting systematic reviews as part of assessed work.
As co-authors we will collaborate with research groups, designing and running searches, managing the references, keeping records of the search process and writing the search methods for the final manuscript.
These roles are based on the ICMJE recommendations for defining authors and contributors.
Here is a list of recent reviews on which we've collaborated.
Collaboration on systematic reviews is dependent on service capacity and availability of librarians with relevant experience. We are receiving an increased number of requests for systematic review support and may not be able to accommodate all requests for involvement. To increase the likelihood of receiving a positive response, we encourage students and researchers to contact us early in the process.