04/06/2026 –, Morrice-Lismer-Leduc Langue: English
Health sciences librarians are essential collaborators in the design and delivery of evidence syntheses. Earlier competency frameworks were developed with systematic reviews as the primary focus; however, evidence synthesis in the health sciences now includes scoping, rapid, realist, integrative, and mixed-method reviews. At the same time, the growing use of specialized technologies—such as AI-assisted search tools, automated screening platforms, and workflow management systems—has introduced new areas of required expertise.
This project updates the competency framework from Townsend et al. (2017) for health sciences librarians engaged in evidence synthesis. Using a narrative literature review approach, we synthesized research, guidance documents, and practice-based reports describing librarian roles and activities across review types. The analysis identifies competencies from the original framework that remain essential, including database expertise, rigorous search strategy development, and leadership in promoting transparency and reproducibility. It also introduces expanded competencies reflecting current practice, such as methodological literacy across diverse review approaches; instructional and mentorship responsibilities for learners and research teams; and the strategic and ethical use of technologies supporting searching, screening, data management, and dissemination.
The updated framework offers a contemporary, flexible set of competencies to guide professional development, inform curriculum design, and support institutional recognition of librarian expertise in evidence synthesis.
Megan Kennedy is a librarian at the University of Alberta supporting the Faculties of Nursing and Medicine & Dentistry, with a focus on geriatrics. Her work centers on teaching and collaborating with researchers, faculty, and students to develop effective search strategies for systematic, scoping, and realist reviews. Megan provides consultation and instruction on advanced database searching, supports evidence synthesis projects, and contributes to the development of research and information literacy skills across the health sciences. She is particularly interested in making complex searching methodologies more approachable and empowering learners to feel confident and capable in the evidence synthesis process.