Contact the HSLS Ask A Librarian service for assistance.
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
Notice of Pause in Service
Due to limited librarian availability, we currently are not accepting requests for assistance with systematic reviews and other types of evidence syntheses. We apologize for this inconvenience.
We hope to resume accepting requests later this year - please check this page for future updates. If you have questions about the closure or about a previously submitted request or protocol, please contact the HSLS Systematic Review Program (SRHSLS@pitt.edu).
Note: While the University Library System (ULS) also has an Evidence Synthesis Service, please do not contact them - they are not available to consult with faculty, students or staff in the schools of the health sciences.