Systematic review searching – what does being a co-author involve?

Carolyn Smith, Horton Library Manager and Outreach Librarian, Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford

Abstract

This will be a practical overview of the role of information specialist in a systematic review. We will look at the initial contact with the lead researcher, what to talk about in your initial meeting, including choosing databases, doing a complex systematic search, recommending software. We can move on to organising files and data, including templates for documentation and methodologies. Finally we will discuss ongoing communication and re-running a search.

Biography

Carolyn has been an Outreach Librarian for Bodleian Health Care Libraries for the last 10 years. She previously worked for the NHS in Scotland for NHS Education for Scotland and NHS 24. She is originally from Ayrshire in Scotland and, after a tour of the nation, now lives in the West Midlands.

Spring Forum 2026: Search Lightning! This review is automatic, systematic, hydromatic!

The 2026 UHMLG Spring Forum will once again bring together a fantasic line-up of speakers from around the UK, across two half-days in April (22nd & 23rd). There are a total of six talks on the overall theme of systematic reviews – some of which do, of course, discuss the use of AI in systematic reviews… but the focus is very much on the practical implementation, not on generalities or background.

Our core audience is UK / Republic of Ireland health and medical librarians from the Higher Education and NHS / health sectors, but we welcome delegates from any area of librarianship, and from anywhere in the world.

More information / Book your place

For full information about the forum and to book a ticket place, please visit our Spring Forum 2026 page. This year we are offering an institutional ticket, which allows unlimited access for all colleagues.