Expert Searching

The Welch Medical Library has a number of informationists who can assist with a literature search. 

A literature search consultation might include one or more of the following:

• Refining the research topic to an answerable question
• Recommending information sources or databases for the search topic
• Identifying relevant search terms 
• Creating and executing search strategies
• Suggesting reference management software and strategies

An informationist can also provide you with an expert search, which may include:

• Refinement of the search question 
• Search term identification
• Identification of sources and databases to be searched
• Search strategy formulation and documentation
• Execution of searches

Are you interested in performing a systematic review? These types of reviews are more complex than a general literature review. See our Systematic Review Methods guide to learn more.

Do you want to meet with an informationist? Complete our Literature Review Request Form (BETA):

Literature Review Request Form

A meeting with an informationist will be most beneficial for you if you first do a little bit of planning and searching on your own. Prior to meeting with an informationist, we recommend that you:

• Have a clear and concise understanding of your research question
• Be prepared to discuss the scope of your project, including limits on the body of literature
• Brainstorm search terms associated with your topics (acronyms, synonyms, and variations on spelling)
• Note any relevant literature you have found so far