Systematic reviews, scoping reviews and other evidence synthesis projects depend on rigorous, well-documented searching. To better support this work and make it easier to know what’s available and how to access it, the Library has launched a refreshed systematic searching service alongside a new guide and a single request pathway.
Here’s what’s new, what’s changed and where to start.
A new guide: Systematic searching for evidence synthesis
The Systematic searching for evidence synthesis guide is now live. It brings together the principles and techniques of rigorous searching – from scoping your question and selecting databases through to structuring your search, documenting your methods and reporting in line with PRISMA and other relevant standards.
For many projects, the guide is all you’ll need. For others, it’s the foundation for a productive conversation with a librarian.
A single pathway to request support
If your project needs direct librarian involvement, the new systematic searching support request form is the way in. It replaces previous ad hoc pathways, captures the information we need to scope your project and helps us match you to the right level of support.
We recommend submitting a request early, ideally while you’re developing your protocol and not after you’ve run your search.
Three tiers, one clarification
Our support is structured around three tiers:
- Tier 1 — guidance and advice to support your own searching
- Tier 2 — collaborative search development and review
- Tier 3 — extended librarian involvement, potentially including search execution and co-authorship
The tier you’re offered depends on your project.
One important clarification: Tier 3 is not a standard offering. It is reserved for approved research projects that warrant extended librarian involvement; typically, those with external grant funding, alignment with University strategic research priorities, or other Library-approved strategic significance. Approval is at the Library’s discretion, and the scope of any enhanced contribution, including search execution, methods wording, acknowledgement or co-authorship, must be agreed in advance.
This isn’t a contraction of what we offer; it’s a clarification. Tier 3 reflects a genuine collaboration on strategically significant work, and we want to invest that capacity where it counts.
A note for Honours students
The systematic searching service is scoped for research projects and is not available to Honours students. Honours students are supported through a separate educative pathway focused on building your own searching capability because the skills you develop now will carry through to your postgraduate and professional work.
If you’re an Honours student, please start with the Systematic searching for evidence synthesis guide.
Methodological integrity matters
Our support aligns with recognised systematic review best practice. Methodological decisions – database selection, search structure, reporting – are agreed collaboratively at the start of a project. Deviations require prior discussion, a documented rationale, and our agreement before implementation.
This isn’t about gatekeeping. It’s about making sure the searches we work on together withstand peer review, support reproducibility and reflect the standards your discipline expects.
Where to start
- Read the Systematic searching for evidence synthesis guide
- Request support via the Systematic search support request form
If you’re not sure which pathway is right for you, your Faculty Librarian is happy to help.
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