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Abstract

This paper examines libraries' support for systematic reviews and the significant resource investment this often requires. The purpose is to explore the possibility of scaling resource usage and to discuss the potential consequences of doing so. The study is based on three models for supporting systematic reviews:

1. A series of courses/workshops for a research group or with random participants,
2. A structured guidance program for individual researchers,
3. Close involvement in a research project with the complete delivery of search results, search documentation, and text about the search/methodology.

The models are described in terms of resource use by librarians/libraries and the benefits/outcomes for researchers. These descriptions were presented to librarians, library managers, and researchers in a survey. The respondents were asked to elaborate on their views regarding the costs and benefits of the various models. The responses indicate that all three models are useful in research support. Each of them should be applied with careful consideration. Courses and workshops are most effective as bespoke events and tailored to specific needs. Structured guidance programs are well-suited for researchers who aim at enhancing their own skills and needs to learn systematic searching methods; PhD candidates are perhaps an obvious audience. Developing search strategies, delivering search results, and writing methodology texts should perhaps be limited to cases where researchers have a clear publication plan for a systematic review or similar. In such cases, the systematic literature searches form an essential part of the research methodology, and significant resource investment should be expected.