Brettle, A 2009, 'Systematic Reviews and Evidence Based Library and Information Practice' , Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 4 (1) , pp. 43-50.

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Abstract

One of the key tools of evidence based practice for practitioners and policy makers are systematic reviews. “Rigorous summaries of all the research evidence relating to a specific question…often addressing the effectiveness of an intervention” that employ “a rigorous methodology for searching, research, retrieval, appraisal, data extraction, synthesis, and interpretation” (Ciliska, Cullum, and Marks 135). They present a comprehensive summary of research based knowledge that can aid both practitioners and policy makers in decision making. Following a systematic approach to both the search and synthesis of the included research, reduces the risk of bias and random errors inherent in a standard literature review process (Droogan and Song 16). When undertaking a systematic review, details of all elements of the search, appraisal, and synthesis process are documented and reported to ensure transparency. This enables readers to assess the quality of the review process and to determine the extent to which it has been rigorously conducted and is free from bias.

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