NOTE: These sessions can be taken as a series or as a standalone session.

Introduction to Types of Literature Reviews

Description

Did you know that there are multiple methodologies to create literature reviews, with different aims, goals, protocols, and outcomes?  Attend this workshop to learn about the range of evidence synthesis (literature review) methodologies, from a traditional narrative review to rigorous reviews such as systematic reviews and umbrella reviews. We will discuss 12 types of reviews, identify the similarities and differences between them and provide insight into how to select the review type that is best suited for your project.  

Instructor

Megan Sapp-Nelson, Professor and Head, Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

Audience

Undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and faculty

Date

February 11, from 3-4 PM

Location

Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

Grainger Commons, Room 233/235

1301 W. Springfield Ave

Urbana, IL 61801

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Systematic Reviews: The What, Why and How

Description

Systematic reviews are a form of structured research that requires a comprehensive collection, appraisal, and summary of all research on a topic. Systematic reviews are high-impact publications that carry weight to inform evidence-based decision making. After attending this session, you will be able to describe:

1. The definition, history and value of systematic reviews
2. An overview of the steps and processes of conducting a systematic review
3. Some systematic review quality indicators

Instructor

Anna Liss Jacobsen, Assistant Professor, Bioengineering and Engineering Medical Innovation Librarian

Audience

Undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and faculty

Date

February 13, from 3-4 PM

Location

Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

Grainger Commons, Room 233/235

1301 W. Springfield Ave

Urbana, IL 61801

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Learning a New-to-You Database

Description

Scholarly databases feature common operators and special features that allow you to create more precise search results. The more you use these features and tools, the better your search experience will be. In this class, we talk about these search operators, special characters and limiters and discuss how to learn a new database in a way that is efficient and effective. This workshop will include hands-on time, so bring a computer and search along with us.

Instructor

Megan Sapp-Nelson, Professor and Head, Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

Audience

Undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and faculty

Date

February 18, from 3-4 PM

Location

Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

Grainger Commons, Room 233/235

1301 W. Springfield Ave

Urbana, IL 61801

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Connecting Your Research Question to the Databases: Understand How Knowledge Organization Can Affect Search Strategy Design

Description

This intensive session is designed for those interested in systematically advancing their database search skills, especially in social sciences areas. It will present you with a big picture related to database searching:

1. An introduction to human knowledge organization system and their connection to search process
2. Introduce research question frameworks that help you translate your research question into search terms
3. Guidance on incorporating controlled vocabulary (Thesaurus) into searches, especially for evidence synthesis projects

Tools and template examples will be provided to increase your efficiency and get a quick start on the journey to becoming a database search expert.

Instructor

Yali Feng, Assistant Professor, Behavioral Sciences Research and Data Services Librarian

Audience

Undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and faculty

Date

February 25, from 3-4 PM

Location

Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

Grainger Commons, Room 233/235

1301 W. Springfield Ave

Urbana, IL 61801

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AI Tools for Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis

Description

Systematic reviews require a rigorous and systematic approach to reviewing existing literature and discovering new knowledge. With the rapid expansion of literature across nearly all disciplines, AI-based tools can significantly enhance researchers’ efforts and efficiency. While not all self-proclaimed research assistant AI tools are adaptively useful, carefully selecting and integrating the right tools at the appropriate stages can advance knowledge discovery. This presentation aims to provide a basic understanding of AI tools for systematic reviews and their proper use.

1. Introduction to AI tools and their efficacy in Systematic Reviews
2. Evaluation criteria for AI tools
3. Optimal use of AI-based tools for Systematic Reviews

Participants are encouraged to bring their own use cases to share with the group.

Instructor

Sarah Park, Assistant Professor and Head, Mathematics Library

Audience

Undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and faculty

Date

March 4, from 3-4 PM

Location

Grainger Engineering Library Information Center

Grainger Commons, Room 233/235

1301 W. Springfield Ave

Urbana, IL 61801

Click to Register

Scoping Reviews – Purpose and Process

Description

A Scoping Review is a type of evidence synthesis that represents an exploration of research literature to assess the depth and breadth of research related to a specific question or topic. A Scoping Review maps concepts from the literature to reveal trends, themes, and gaps in the research area to inform, and provide context for further exploration or examination. This workshop covers the how and why of Scoping Reviews, including question development, search strategies, screening results, and data extraction.

Instructor

Peg Burnette, Associate Professor Emerita, Medical & Biomedicine Librarian

Audience

Undergraduate students, graduate students, researchers, and faculty

Date

March 25, from noon-1pm

Location

Online

Click to Register