Main 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.

Contents:

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