The Development of the Systematic Reviews Special Interest Group of MLA Institutional Repository Document uri icon

abstract

  • Objectives: This poster will cover the reasoning behind the development of the Systematic Reviews SIG and the aims of the group. It will also provide a background of systematic reviews and support services. Methods: In summer of 2014 the Systematic Reviews SIG was proposed to MLA. The conveners followed the procedure for developing a SIG, including writing up a short proposal and collecting signatures. The proposal covered 5 assertions on the need for a SIG: importance of systematic reviews in healthcare, sharp increase in production of reviews, standards covering librarian involvement, complexity of review methods, and the evolving nature of review methods. A quick informal survey was sent out to members of MLA who had given a paper, poster, workshop, or had attended a continuing education course. Results: Over 150 signatures were collected supporting the creation of the SIG. A website was created to support sharing information, training, and experiences in systematic review support services. Conclusions: A SIG is an effective method to collaborate with other MLA members on specific topic. The Systematic Review SIG will strive to provide a platform for discussing systematic review methods, highlighting professional development opportunities, promoting standards, and more.

author list (cited authors)

  • Foster, M. J., Fowler, S. A., & Saleh, A. A.

complete list of authors

  • Foster, Margaret J||Fowler, Susan A||Saleh, Ahlam A

publication date

  • January 2015