Evidence Synthesis

Collaborators, partners, and researchers supporting systematic reviews and other kinds of evidence synthesis.

Library Research Guide

What is Evidence Synthesis?

Evidence synthesis uses formal explicit rigorous methods to bring together the findings of studies already completed and to provide an account of the totality of what is known from that pre-existing research. Evidence synthesis clarifies what is known and not known about a research question. It uses research methods to provide a statement about an evidence base. It is therefore a crucial step in the use of research findings in personal and public decision making.

Definition from the Evidence Synthesis International (ESI): Position Statement.

Contact Us

Request a consultation with an evidence synthesis librarian.

We also work with classes. Email us to learn more.

Email: libsynthesis@ksu.edu

Systematic Reviews and Other Evidence Synthesis Projects

Consult or partner with K-State Librarians to build a strong foundation for your research.

Our librarians collaborate with researchers across disciplines to provide expert guidance during the early stages of systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis projects.

What We Offer

Our librarians offer personalized consultations and instruction sessions to help you:

Locate published reviews on your topic.
Select an appropriate review type for your project.
Develop a protocol and suggest locations to register the protocol.
Identify databases that align with your research question and discipline.
Develop search strategies tailored to your research question.
Document your search process to meet reporting standards.

Whether you’re new to evidence synthesis or refining your approach, we’re here to help you take the next step in your research journey.

Levels of Collaboration

Consultant

Help you select databases and grey literature sources
Provide guidance on developing a search strategy
Give feedback on your search strategy

Co-Author

Give feedback on the protocol
Develop the search strategy in consultation with the research team
Translate searches for different databases and platforms
Assist with exporting and deduplicating citations
Write the search strategy portion for the methods section of the paper or article

For more information, see the Medical Library Association (MLA) statement: It’s Time to Acknowledge Authorship for Librarians and Information Professionals on Evidence Synthesis Publications.