Support with systematic reviews
What we will do:
We provide expert librarian guidance to academic staff, researchers, postgraduate researchers, and students undertaking systematic reviews, scoping reviews, or advanced literature reviews. Our support includes helping to develop robust search strategies, refine keywords, and select the most appropriate resources to effectively address complex research questions.
The service is free, additional time cannot be purchased.
How this will be delivered:
- We generally offer appointments for initial review support within 10 working days outside peak periods, though availability may be limited during the first six weeks of the semester or if staff are on leave.
- We will keep users informed if demand or staff availability may affect this timeline.
- We encourage researchers to contact the librarian as early as possible—ideally before publishing their protocol—to discuss effective planning. They can reach us by email at library@st-andrews.ac.uk.
- We will offer up to one-hour tailored consultations to refine search strategies, review keywords, and provide advice.
- We may conduct an initial search to guide strategy development.
- We will typically conduct initial searches as part of protocol development within one working day.
- We will assist in addressing challenges with the number or quality of retrieved records.
Important user information:
Users should:
- Develop their research question
- Set clear inclusion and exclusion criteria
- Decide on the type of review and extract relevant data
- Compile and document their results.