Preparation: Access self-guided resources
Researchers conducting scoping and systematic reviews are expected to have a foundational level of search skills.
The Library provides a range of resources to prepare for a systematic or scoping review and develop your searching skills. Please review this guide and others linked in the Study and research support sidebar.
We highly recommend visiting our Workshops page for currently available librarian-guided workshops and recordings of previous workshops, particularly the suite of Search workshops and Database Demonstrations.
For conducting these review types, we also have the My Unit Readings List: Systematic reviews and database searching.
Consultations with a Librarian
If you have already accessed the self-guided resources and need additional help, the Library provides one-on-one or research group based consultations by request.
Before contacting our librarians for a consultation, please prepare the following:
- Protocol or research proposal detailing your research question/s, inclusion and exclusion criteria, planned databases, question framework (e.g. PICO/PICo) - The PICO worksheet covers most of these details.
- Draft search strategy for at least one database, preferably including search synonyms and subject headings.
- Set of key papers that you have identified for inclusion in your review.
Supervisors and academics teaching systematic reviews are also encouraged to attend where possible.
The Library provides guidance on the Systematic Review process to Murdoch staff, students, and researchers. We advise on locating systematic reviews and other resources, assist with selection and use of databases, and use of EndNote and other research software when conducting reviews.
For further information on the level of support provided, please refer to the boxes below:
1x 1hr consultations are available for Murdoch students preparing a systematic or scoping review for assessment.
A Librarian can assist by:
- Discussing appropriate methodology according to review type, compared to assessment requirements.
- Discussing and advising on question refinement: appropriate frameworks, developing answerable questions, how to broaden or narrow scope of question.
- Recommending databases according to discipline and query. Quick demonstration of one database.
- Advising on complex search strategies including keyword development, use of controlled vocabulary, database translation, and refining your search. *This does not include a ‘red pen’ mark-up of search strategies.
- Tips and tricks on the screening process: EndNote for Systematic Reviews, recommendations of collaborative screening tools, considerations when using AI tools.
- Discussing how to report search and screening processes in report.
- How to request full-text documents.
The consultation service includes:
- Post-consultation email summarising the consultation content, your next steps, and links to resources
- One email review of your updated search.
2x 1hr consultations are available for Murdoch students, staff, and researchers preparing a systematic or scoping review intended for publication.
A Librarian can assist by providing all of the items listed For Assessment, plus:
- Recommending and discuss appropriate methodology and reporting requirements for publication
- Advising on protocol registration and requirements
- Advising on question development: does your question suit your chosen review type?
- Providing more in-depth advice regarding search strategies, including review of current search.
- General advice on how to identify relevant and reliable journals for publication. *More complex advice may be referred to a Publishing consultation.
- Referring to Copyright to explain publication contract rights and requirements.
Acknowledgement of Library assistance may be required for publication, pending assistance levels.
Librarian co-authorship level assistance can be negotiated with researchers via discussion and agreement at initial stages of project.
Co-authorship requests will consider librarian workload capacity and systematic search proficiency prior to any decision being made.
If unable to accommodate a co-authorship request, the librarian may propose different agreement terms, including For Publication consultation level assistance with acknowledgement, or decline the request
The Library acts in an advisory capacity only. We will not create or conduct searches on your behalf. We do not export or screen articles, find full text content, perform data extraction, or contribute to the paper (unless via co-authorship by prior agreement).
If you have reviewed the resources and/or attended a workshop and you require advanced troubleshooting or guidance, please contact Library Research Support to book a consultation.
Our librarians may postpone, cancel, or refer to other search skill development resources at their discretion.
Study and research support
Beginner study and research support:
Intermediate and advanced research support:
Ask our Librarians
