Why equating all evidence searches to systematic reviews defies their role in information seeking

Authors

  • Zachary E. Fox Associate Director for Information Services, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Annette M. Williams Senior Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Mallory N. Blasingame Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Taneya Y. Koonce Associate Director for Research, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Sheila V. Kusnoor Senior Research Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Jing Su Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Patricia Lee Senior Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Marcia I. Epelbaum Senior Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Helen M. Naylor Senior Research Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Spencer J. DesAutels Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Elizabeth T. Frakes Information Scientist, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
  • Nunzia Bettinsoli Giuse Vice President for Knowledge Management; Professor, Department of Biomedical Informatics; Professor, Department of Medicine; and Director, Center for Knowledge Management, Strategy and Innovation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/jmla.2019.707

Keywords:

Systematic Reviews, Evidence, Information Needs

Abstract

All too often the quality and rigor of topic investigations is inaccurately conveyed to information professionals, resulting in a mischaracterization of the research, which, if left unchecked and published, may in turn mislead potential readers. Accurately understanding and categorizing the types of topic investigation searches that are requested of information professionals is critical to both meeting requestors’ needs and reflecting their intended methodological approaches. Information professionals’ expertise can be an invaluable resource to guide users through the investigative and publication process.

References

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Published

2019-10-01

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