Introduction
The inclusion of librarians and information professionals in research teams is a critical factor in enhancing the quality of knowledge synthesis projects. Recent research highlights a significant gap in recognizing librarians' contributions at the grant funding level, particularly in Canadian health research. This blog explores the findings of the study "Inclusion of librarians and information professionals in Canadian knowledge synthesis grant funding" and discusses the implications for practitioners seeking to improve their research outcomes.
The Role of Librarians in Knowledge Synthesis
Knowledge synthesis, including systematic reviews, is essential for informing medical decisions and policy. However, the quality of these reviews can be compromised by inadequate search strategies and biases. Librarians, with their expertise in information retrieval and management, are uniquely positioned to address these challenges.
Studies have shown that librarian involvement in systematic reviews leads to higher quality search strategies, improved reporting processes, and the use of diverse information sources. Despite this, many knowledge synthesis grants do not require or even mention librarians as part of the research team.
Findings from the Research
The study examined 14 knowledge synthesis grants from Canadian organizations and found that only one required a librarian's involvement. Four grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) strongly recommended librarian inclusion, but it was not mandatory. This lack of requirement at the funding level is concerning, given the evidence supporting the positive impact of librarians on research quality.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, the findings underscore the importance of advocating for librarian involvement in research projects. By including librarians, research teams can enhance the quality and credibility of their knowledge synthesis work. Practitioners are encouraged to:
- Recognize the value of librarians as integral members of research teams.
- Advocate for policy changes that require librarian involvement in grant-funded projects.
- Engage with librarians early in the research process to benefit from their expertise.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights a promising area for further research: understanding why librarian contributions are underrecognized at the funding level. Investigating the barriers to librarian inclusion in research projects can inform strategies to increase their involvement and recognition.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Inclusion of librarians and information professionals in Canadian knowledge synthesis grant funding.
