CILIP Government Information Group workshop: "Going beyond the traditional roles: the expert searcher’s role in rapid reviews", Tuesday 19 May 12pm - 1pm

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The Government Information Group are pleased to announce their second event of the year. This will be an online workshop led by Mala Mann of Cardiff University’s Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE), concentrating on the librarian’s role in undertaking rapid reviews. The workshop will particularly focus on finding studies for evidence-informed policy making, and will include multiple case studies of reviews undertaken by SURE for government bodies to identify evidence to inform public policy. SURE’s work has included collaborations with notable figures in evidence-based medicine, including Prof Peter Elwood.

Background

The role of librarians and information specialists has evolved significantly, moving beyond traditional research support to become active partners in knowledge synthesis. This shift is particularly evident with the growing use of rapid reviews, which have emerged as a pragmatic alternative to systematic reviews. Rapid reviews deliver timely evidence by streamlining selected methodological components, including the literature search. As a result, librarian expertise is increasingly critical in ensuring the quality and reliability of rapid review findings.

Workshop description

This workshop will highlight key stages where librarians can contribute to rapid reviews. First, participants will learn how to transform a stakeholder question into a clear, answerable review question. Second, the workshop will cover strategies for identifying and searching the most appropriate sources, emphasizing the librarian’s role as expert searcher in rapid review methodology.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate rapid reviews from systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis methodologies.
2. Identify the key steps involved in conducting a rapid review, with a focus on search methods.
3. Recognize how rapid review searches can vary in scope and methodology.

The workshop will consist of lectures, quizzes, activities and demonstrations. This presentation will highlight case studies demonstrating how librarian-led or librarian-supported research has contributed to changes in policy and practice. In today’s increasingly complex research environment, librarians play a vital role in supporting researchers to practice evidence-based medicine. Their expertise ensures they remain relevant and indispensable in an ever-changing world.

About the Specialist Unit for Review Evidence

In 2025, Cardiff University's Specialist Unit for Review Evidence (SURE) team celebrated their 25th anniversary of review evidence services. Their grant-funded team of experienced systematic reviewers and information specialists conducts all forms of systematic and literature reviews; identifying, evaluating and summarising current, reliable evidence to inform policy and practice. In addition, they teach systematic review methods and provide consultancy services for others who are about to undertake such reviews. They provide expert advice and support in the following areas:

• protocol development
• evidence synthesis
• search design and implementation
• skills development, particularly in critical appraisal and introductory and advanced literature searching

They have contributed to a range of research projects. They also work in the field of methodological innovation, exploring rapid review methods, new literature searching techniques and the use of text mining to improve review efficiency.

You can register for the session via the workshop's page on the CILIP Events Calendar.