Systematic Searching
Description
In resource poor, cost saving times, this book provides practical advice on new methods and technologies involved in systematic searching and explores the role of information professionals in delivering these changes
The editors bring together expert international practitioners and researchers to highlight the latest thinking on systematic searching. Beginning by looking at the methods and techniques underlying systematic searching, the book then examines the current challenges and the potential solutions to more effective searching in detail, before considering the role of the information specialist as an expert searcher.
Systematic Searching blends theory and practice and takes into account different approaches to information retrieval with a special focus being given to searching for complex topics in a health-related environment. The book does not presume an in-depth prior knowledge or experience of systematic searching and includes case studies, practical examples and ideas for further research and reading.
The book is divided into three parts:
- Methods covers theoretical approaches to evidence synthesis and the implications that these have for the search process, including searching for complex topics and choosing the right sources.
- Technology examines new technologies for retrieving evidence and how these are leading to new directions in information retrieval and evidence synthesis.
- People considers the future of the information specialist as an expert searcher and explores how information professionals can develop their skills in searching, communication and collaboration to ensure that information retrieval practice is, and remains, evidence-based.
Systematic Searching will be essential reading for library and information service providers and information specialists, particularly those in a health-related environment. It will also be of interest to students of library and information science, systematic reviewers, researchers and practitioners conducting complex searches in settings including social care, education and criminal justice.
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
Paul Levay is an Information Specialist at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). His research interests are in developing search methods to support Health Technology Assessments and public health guidelines. He has previously held posts at the National Police Library and the Greater London Authority. Paul is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP).Jenny Craven is an Information Specialist at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Previously, Jenny worked at the Centre for Research in Library and Information Management (CERLIM) at Manchester Metropolitan University; she worked on practical information related projects, with a particular focus on improving access to information for people with visual impairments. During this time she was on the standing committee of the IFLA libraries serving persons with disabilities group, and ran a series of workshops in developing countries for the FORCE Foundation charity on providing accessible library services. Her role at NICE involves supporting the information needs for a variety of programmes across NICE. She also works on internal projects to improve service delivery, the evaluation of information skills training, and to explore methods for the effective retrieval of information. She is the editor of two previous Facet Publishing books, Web Accessibility: Practical advice for the library and information professional (2008) and Access, Delivery, Derformance: The future of libraries without walls (2009).
Content
Figures, tables and case studies
Contributors
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Foreword - Carol Lefebvre
1. Introduction: where are we now? - Paul Levay and Jenny Craven
2. Innovative approaches to systematic reviewing - Andrew Booth
3. Searching for broad-based topics - Claire Stansfield
4. Choosing the right databases and search techniques - Alison Bethel and Morwenna Rogers
5. Gathering evidence from grey literature and unpublished data - Shannon Kugley and Richard Epstein
6. Social media as a source of evidence - Su Golder
7. Text mining for information specialists - Julie Glanville
8. Using linked data for evidence synthesis - Andrew Mitchell and Chris Mavergames
9. Evidence surveillance to keep up to date with new research - James Thomas, Anna Noel-Storr and Steve McDonald
10. Training the next generation of information specialists - Michelle Maden and Gil Young
11. Collaborative working to improve searching - Siw Waffenschmidt and Elke Hausner
12. Communication for information specialists - Margaret Sampson
13. The information specialist as an expert searcher - Alison Brettle
14. Conclusion: where do we go from here? - Paul Levay and Jenny Craven
Glossary
Index
