New Library Research Processes
Posted: July 29, 2026
Whether you are an old hat at scoping or systematic reviews or dipping your toes into evidence synthesis with your first review, the Library is here to partner with you every step of the way.
To better serve our campus community, we have streamlined our research assistance processes and clarified our service models. If you are interested in collaborating with us or utilizing any of our research support services, simply complete our Research Assistance and Review Consultation Form, and one of our liaison librarians will reach out to get your project started.
Tailored Service Tiers
We recognize that different projects require different levels of library involvement. To meet these varied needs, the Library offers three distinct tiers of service:
- Tier 1: Guidance
Ideal for teams looking for expert advice while maintaining full hands-on control. Librarians provide education on methodologies (such as systematic or scoping reviews), help refine research topics, recommend databases, suggest edits to search strategies, and teach tools like Covidence. Librarians also review final methods sections and PRISMA diagrams. - Tier 2: Education with Co-Author
A collaborative model balancing instruction and direct library support. Librarians co-create protocols, collaborate on search strategies, share database translation tasks, and teach search methods. Librarians also help write the search strategy and methods sections of protocols and manuscripts. - Tier 3: Co-Author
A comprehensive partnership model. The library team assists with IRB processes (if applicable), and librarians fully develop, translate, and execute search strategies across all syntax environments and grey literature. Librarians export results into review software, locate and upload all full-text articles, and write the complete search strategy and methods sections for protocols and manuscripts.
Note for all tiers: Librarians assist with identifying journals within vendor agreements and offer tools for publication selection. For data visualization and paper editing, faculty-led teams are referred to Research Support.
Customized Workflows: Faculty/Staff vs. Students
To ensure everyone receives the appropriate level of instruction and assistance, our workflows differ depending on whether the project is student-led or faculty/staff-led.
Faculty & Staff Workflow
Faculty and staff projects have access to Tiers 1, 2, and 3.
- Initial Consult: The librarian meets with your team to discuss the project, clarify tier options, align expectations with review types, evaluate your research topic/question, and set a project timeline.
- Team Meetings: Teams participate in 2 to 6 meetings (for Tiers 1 and 3) or 2 to 8 meetings (for Tier 2). These sessions review project stages, refine questions, build strategies, and guide tool usage (e.g., citation managers and Covidence).
- Writing & Publication: Librarians assist with writing methods sections, review PRISMA diagrams, and verify journal vendor agreements
Student Workflow
To support student learning and skill development, students are offered Tier 1 services.
- Initial Consult: The librarian guides students through choosing the correct review type, evaluating their research question, outlining timelines, and explaining the Tier 1 learning model.
- Team Meetings: Across 2 to 6 scheduled meetings, the librarian reviews project stages, explains necessary revisions, demonstrates how to locate full-text articles, and introduces essential software tools.
- Writing & Publications: Students write their own reviews and are encouraged to utilize the University Writing Center for edits. Librarians assist by checking vendor journal agreements, reviewing methods and PRISMA diagrams, and educating students on finding author guidelines and sample reviews.
Ready to Start Your Project?
We are excited to help elevate your research! If you’re not sure where to start, please view our Research Hub for information about the types of reviews we can assist with. To request support or schedule an initial consultation, please fill out the Research Assistance and Review Consultation Form, and a liaison librarian will be in touch.