Stepping into a systematic review research team as a liaison librarian: Bridging the gap between theory and practice. Summer Conference 2025

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Cheryl Francis, Academic Liaison Librarian at the University of Sunderland

Abstract

This talk explores the experiences of a liaison librarian joining a systematic review (SR) team for the first time. Despite prior experience in NHS libraries and teaching systematic search techniques, the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application became evident. The role offered a valuable opportunity to refine skills, learn new ones, and adapt quickly to an existing team. The talk will discuss how hands-on SR work enhanced the librarian’s teaching and involved new responsibilities, including ensuring search quality and strategy design. It also highlights the broader benefits for professional growth and institutional recognition, offering practical insights for librarians seeking active roles in research teams.

Biography

Cheryl Francis is the Librarian for the School of Medicine at the University of Sunderland. Originally from Brighton, she moved to the North East to work with the School when it opened in 2019. Cheryl has more than 25 years of experience in libraries and information services in various sectors, including public libraries, the NHS, higher education, and charitable organizations. She is a Chartered Member of CILIP.

Summer Conference 2025: Stop! Collaborate and Listen: Partnerships in Libraries

UHMLG’s 2025 Summer Conference brings together a range of fantastic speakers to look at partnerships within libraries. The conference is taking place in person at the Hive in Worcester and spans two half days (13-14 June, 2025). 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 conference, and to book your place, please visit our Summer Conference 2025 page.