Background: The work of librarians and information specialists has undergone transformations with increasing demand for expertise in evidence synthesis (ES) methodologies. Librarians’ acknowledged expertise in ES methods, particularly comprehensive searching, suggests their essential role in peer review of ES manuscripts submitted for publication. However, librarian contributions to ES peer review have only recently been promoted and remain underexplored in the literature. The involvement of librarians engaged in peer reviewing ES publications deserves attention, shedding light on their multifaceted involvement in shaping scholarly discourse.
Objectives: This study aims to uncover the extent and nature of librarians’ efforts in the peer review process of ES publications. By exploring the current contributions of librarians who have expressed interest in peer review, this study highlights the ways expert searchers can impact ES publications as methodologic peer reviewers.
Methods: This research draws on survey data to capture the diverse experiences of librarians engaged in peer reviewing ES publications. An online survey was distributed to librarians who have volunteered in the Librarian Peer Review Database to determine the scope of involvement and potential impact on both research publications and librarian workload.
Results: Preliminary findings suggest a rich tapestry of librarians' contributions to the peer review process, with emphasis on the evaluation of methodology and rigor. Librarians navigate a complex landscape of expectations, grappling with time constraints, the need for recognition, and sometimes limited subject knowledge. The results shed light on the invisible aspects of this labor, illustrating the diverse roles librarians play in shaping the scholarly output of ES publications.
Conclusions: This research contributes a nuanced understanding of librarians' effort and potential impact in the context of peer review of ES publications. The findings underscore the need for greater acknowledgement and support for librarians' contributions in this realm. Recognizing and valuing their contributions is essential for fostering a collaborative scholarly environment and enhancing the overall quality of ES publications.
Impact on patients: Beyond their contributions to methods alignment and search quality, librarians bring a nonclinician perspective to ES peer review, with potential to impact relevance and improve readability and accessibility for other consumers.