The Loma Linda University Library Evidence Synthesis Service is committed to supporting high-quality, rigorous research (including systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and other evidence synthesis research) by providing expert guidance and collaboration in the conduct of evidence synthesis projects. The service aims to promote informed decision-making and advance knowledge through comprehensive support for faculty and clinician evidence synthesis projects.
The Loma Linda University Library offers two distinct service models to accommodate varying levels of need:
In this model, a librarian is an active member of the research team, contributing their expertise in systematic review methodology and information retrieval. This model is designed for complex projects that require comprehensive searching and a high level of librarian involvement. With this model:
The librarian’s contributions will meet the ICMJE criteria for authorship.
The librarian will be listed as an author on any resulting publications, presentation, posters, or other forms of dissemination.
Librarian responsibilities may include:
Formulating the research question
Recommending relevant resources and databases.
Suggesting search terms and developing search strategies.
Executing search strategies in licensed databases and grey literature resources.
Managing citations using citation management software.
Providing access to and support for JBI SUMARI.
Writing the search methodology sections of the protocol and manuscript.
Providing the search strategies in a legible format for the appendices.
Reviewing the final draft of the manuscript before submission.
This model provides training and support to research teams who wish to conduct their evidence synthesis independently.
The librarian provides guidance on the review process.
Librarian responsibilities may include:
Providing consultation on the systematic review process and best practices
Advising on the identification of search terms, keywords, and search strings.
Recommending relevant databases and resources.
Giving advice on citation management methods and tools.
The library faculty will NOT perform the actual search, assist with writing the search methodology, or assist with project data management.
The Evidence Synthesis Service is available to Loma Linda University faculty, clinicians, fellows, and residents.
Student-led projects may be eligible for the guidance model but are not eligible for the team member model.
The service may limit the number of concurrent projects that a researcher or team can have.
If you choose the Team Member Model, the team should meet the following parameters:
Projects utilizing the Team Member model should have a minimum of three actively involved team members in addition to the librarian. The team should include members with expertise in the subject matter, research methodology, and project management.
The research team (not the librarian) is responsible for screening the search results, extracting data, and assessing risk of bias.
Clear communication between the team and the librarian is essential. Failure to communicate for a period exceeding 3 months may result in project termination.
A protocol is required before any searching begins for all review types.
The protocol should include a clear research question, eligibility criteria, and planned methodology.
Teams conducting systematic reviews are encouraged to submit their protocol to PROSPERO (OSF for Scoping Reviews).
The research team is responsible for providing timely feedback on proposed search strategies.
If you choose the Team Member Model, the librarian should meet the following parameters:
Develop comprehensive search strategies based on the research question.
Conduct searches in multiple relevant databases, including, but not limited to: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and grey literature sources.
Document all search strategies and results.
The librarian is responsible for retrieving the full text of articles (available through the LLU Library) identified by the searches.
Provide support for using EndNote for citation management.
Provide support for using JBI SUMARI for screening and data collection.
Write the search methodology section for the manuscript.
Provide the final search strategies in a reproducible format for publication.
Review the full manuscript prior to submission.
Librarians will NOT be responsible for screening articles for inclusion/exclusion.
Librarians reserve the right to resign from a team if standards for the search and review process are not followed, or if the team leader becomes non-communicative.
If you choose the Team Member Model, the Evidence Synthesis Service will require a minimum of 1-3 months for the librarian to develop and test the search strategy. Systematic reviews typically require a minimum of 9-12 months to complete.
The Evidence Synthesis Service will provide access to and support for JBI SUMARI for screening and data extraction.
Training will be provided for using EndNote for citation management.
The Evidence Synthesis Services will utilize the PRISMA reporting guidelines.
Both service models will be provided at no cost to Loma Linda University researchers, except for grant-funded projects.
If the project is grant-funded, fees for library support should be written into the grant proposal. The rate for librarian assistance will be determined based on similar evidence synthesis services.
Librarian involvement in a project may be terminated if there is a lack of communication from the research team for a period exceeding three months.
Librarian involvement may be terminated if the methodological approach deviates from established methods.
Librarian involvement may be terminated if the research team fails to disclose grant funding.
The service will regularly review and adapt policies and procedures based on feedback and experience.
Clear communication of service policies and expectations with research teams is essential.