Systematic Review Service Charter

We provide support for the following evidence synthesis projects:

• Systematic reviews
• Scoping reviews
• Rapid reviews
• Umbrella reviews and meta-analyses
• Other structured evidence syntheses (by consultation)

Who can use the service:

• Staff employed by Hunter New England Local Health District and Calvary Mater Newcastle
• Affiliated researchers, where demand allows and as determined by library staff.

HDRs should normally access support through their university library.

HNE Health Libraries may assist HDRs only when:

• The review relates directly to health service priorities, clinical care, or operational research
• Outcomes are intended to benefit the health service

Eligibility will be determined case by case in consultation with Library management and, where relevant, service or research leadership.

Levels of Support

• We offer tiered support depending on your project’s needs and our staff capacity.
  
  1. Initial Consultation
• Clarify review type, objectives, and feasibility
• Provide guidance on protocols (PRISMA-P, PROSPERO registration)
• Discuss timelines, roles, and expectations
  
  2. Search Strategy Development
• Collaborate to design comprehensive, reproducible search strategies
• Translate strategies across databases
• Peer review searches using the PRESS checklist
  
  3. Database Searching
• Execute searches in databases (e.g., MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, PsycINFO)
• Supply documented strategies for transparency and reproducibility
  
  4. Results Management
• Deliver results in agreed formats (EndNote, Covidence, etc.)
• Provide guidance on screening tools and reference management software
  
  5. Ongoing Support
• Advise on grey literature and supplementary searching
• Provide guidance on citation tracking and handsearching
• Assist with PRISMA flow diagram dataAdvise on reporting standards and publishing requirements

Library Staff

• Provide expert advice on systematic review methodology
• Develop, execute, and document literature searches
• Remain impartial and transparent in search design and reporting
• Communicate progress and timelines clearly

Review Team

• Define the research question and inclusion/exclusion criteria
• Register and develop the review protocol
• Manage screening, critical appraisal, data extraction, and synthesis
• Communicate promptly with the Library team
• Acknowledge Library staff contributions (e.g., authorship for significant intellectual input; acknowledgment for advisory or technical support, in line with ICMJE guidelines)

Timeframes

• Initial consultation: within 5 business days of request
• Search strategy development: typically 2 weeks, depending on complexity and staff capacity
• Updates or revisions: negotiated individually
• Exact timelines depend on project scope, librarian availability, and researcher responsiveness

Authorship and Acknowledgment

• Offer authorship when librarians make substantial intellectual contributions (e.g., designing and executing the search strategy, writing the methods section)
• Provide acknowledgment for advisory or technical contributions

Service Standards

We are committed to:

• Evidence-based practice following PRISMA, PRESS, and other relevant standards
• Transparency and reproducibility of search strategies
• Equitable access to support for all eligible staff
• Continuous improvement of the service through feedback and professional development

Exclusions
The Library does not:

• Screen articles, extract data, or perform critical appraisal
• Conduct synthesis, statistical analysis, or write the discussion sections
• Guarantee publication acceptance

Evaluation and Feedback

• Researchers will be invited to provide feedback at the conclusion of the project
• The service will be reviewed annually to ensure relevance, quality, and alignment with organisational priorities

Systematic reviews and evidence syntheses require substantial specialist expertise and staff time.
Where a project is supported by external competitive research funding (excluding TRGS, local awards, and internal granting schemes), librarian involvement must be costed into the grant budget as a direct research cost.

For grant-funded projects, systematic review services are provided on a cost-recovery basis and costed at an indicative rate of $60–$100 per hour (ex GST), confirmed following initial scoping.

Where a librarian makes a substantial intellectual contribution to the design, conduct, or reporting of a systematic review, co-authorship will be discussed in accordance with ICMJE and NHMRC authorship guidance; cost-recovery arrangements do not preclude appropriate authorship or acknowledgement.
Contact the Library for advice where clarification is required.

Find out more information: 

Research Support specialty guide,
Systematic Reviews specialty guide

For Synthesis review support complete the form or contact us to request a consultation