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Evidence synthesis support at MRU Library

Evidence synthesis is an umbrella term for structured, transparent approaches to bringing research evidence together in order to answer complex questions. Methods such as systematic, scoping, and rapid reviews can provide strong foundations for teaching, research, and knowledge mobilization 

Librarians can support these projects by sharing expertise in search design, documentation, and review methodology, complementing faculty subject matter expertise.

Common types of evidence syntheses

Systematic Review

Scoping Review

Rapid Review
Answers a focused research question by searching widely, applying strict criteria, and analyzing results to provide reliable evidence. (Cochrane) Maps the breadth of research on a topic to show key concepts, evidence types, and gaps. (Colquhoun) Uses streamlined methods to deliver evidence quickly for timely decisions. (Tricco)
When to use
When you need a rigorous, comprehensive synthesis to inform practice or policy. When exploring a broad field, clarifying concepts, or identifying gaps in knowledge. When a full systematic review isn’t feasible due to time or resource constraints.
Time Needed
9–12 months		 Time Needed
1–3 years		 Time Needed
1–6 months
Considerations
At least three authors recommended to minimise bias and manage workload; requires careful planning and advanced methods; not usually feasible for one semester or an individual researcher.		 Considerations
Provides a broad overview and highlights gaps; generally emphasizes mapping rather than critical appraisal of individual study quality.		 Considerations
Balances timeliness with rigor by simplifying or shortening steps; note where methods are adapted so results are interpreted appropriately.

For reporting guidelines, frameworks, and further considerations (and the source of this adaptation), see: What’s in a Name? Knowledge Synthesis Methodologies Comparison Chart, Library Services, Unity Health Toronto. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

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How can the library support Evidence Synthesis projects?

Training Student Researchers and Research Assistants:

Librarians can support research assistants working on faculty-led projects, as well as students completing Honours theses or independent projects involving evidence synthesis.

We do not provide full training for students to conduct an entire review on their own. Instead, we can provide targeted training in specific areas of the review process, once the student has been oriented to the project and their role is clearly defined.

We recommend contacting your Subject Librarian early in the project timeline to discuss your needs and ensure we can schedule training accordingly.

When training a research assistant, we ask that faculty attend at least the initial training session. This ensures we have the necessary context to offer useful support. Faculty researchers are best positioned to:

  • Clarify the research question

  • Provide subject-matter context

  • Identify initial concepts and keywords for searching

Without this context, it can be difficult to tailor the training to the needs of the project. Having the faculty researcher present is the best way to ensure that the training is aligned with the goals of the project, and that your RA has a clear and solid foundation to build on.

 

Training typically covers the following topics:

  • Introduction to systematic searching

  • Developing a search strategy

  • Selecting appropriate databases

  • Identifying keywords, subject headings, and controlled vocabulary

  • Using Boolean logic and building complex searches

  • Advanced searching in MRU-accessible databases

  • Documenting and exporting search results

Training undergraduate students for this level of work typically requires at least three hours, and often more when supporting independent or Honours-level research.

Incorporating Evidence Synthesis into Coursework

Evidence Synthesis projects are time and labour intensive, and require advanced information retrieval skills. Rigorous and robust systematic reviews are likely not feasible for students to complete in one semester, given the timeline constraints of a course. 

However, there are meaningful ways to build evidence synthesis concepts into coursework. If working with students in a class context, consider assigning smaller exercises that allow students to develop skills and learn ES concepts while working on tasks that may be completed in one semester. 

Librarians can work with you to:

  • Identify appropriate review types: narrative reviews, rapid reviews, and protocol development can all be feasible student projects.
  • Provide targeted instruction to help students practice elements of the ES process, like search strategy development, database searching, or documenting search results. 

Our aim is to support course learning goals by contributing methodological expertise in a way that complements your disciplinary focus.

 

 

 

Librarians partner with faculty to strengthen evidence synthesis projects through expertise in search, review methods, and research support.