Mary Lou Klem, PhD, MLIS
Assistant Director of Advanced Information Support and Engagement Initiatives
klem@pitt.edu
We require submission of a detailed review protocol within thirty (30) days of submitting your initial request for assistance.
The protocol undergoes scientific review to determine if it:
1) summarizes the current literature on your topic and explains how the proposed review will build on and add to that literature
2) meets existing standards for the design and conduct of systematic reviews
3) contains the detailed information required for development of thorough and comprehensive literature searches.
After the initial scientific review, you will receive reviewer feedback and questions, and be given the opportunity to revise and re-submit your protocol. Failure to response to reviewer feedback will result in cancellation of the request for assistance.
Due to the large number of requests and protocols we receive each month, and limited librarian availability, average waiting time for protocol reviews or for librarian assistance on approved protocols may be as long as several months.
Further information is available about our requirements for submission.
Watch these short videos to understand the issues you'll need to think through before you undertake one of these complex and time-intensive research projects.
Setting Expectations for a Systematic Review
Determine if a Systematic Review is Feasible (part 1)
Determine if a Systematic Review is Feasible (part 2)
PowerPoint versions of part 1 and part 2 (includes clickable links to supporting materials)
Find existing systematic reviews on your topic
Recommend literature databases and grey literature sources
Develop search-related sections of the protocol
Provide recommendations on management of references
Construct the primary literature search and translating it for use in additional databases
Find and use validated methodology filters
Save searches so they are available for updating search results
Save and document search strings and search strategies in accordance with PRISMA Standards
Provide advice and guidance on accessing full text resources in University of Pittsburgh library collections
Advise on use of HSLS Document Delivery to obtain items not available from university collections
Planning and creating comprehensive search strategies constitutes a scholarly contribution
Assist in manuscript preparation, including development of sections on information sources and final search strategies
Provide input and recommendations on journal choice and drafts of papers and abstracts
Complete this form. Please note: