Introduction
An interdisciplinary working group (WG) of librarians at McMaster University Libraries in Hamilton, Ontario was charged with exploring how library support for knowledge synthesis (KS) could be refined to meet the changing needs of library users in health sciences and other research disciplines.

Description
The WG applied a modified design thinking approach to its task. Design thinking is an iterative problem-solving approach, centred on deeply understanding user needs. It is particularly well suited for complex concerns without clear causes or solutions. This presentation explores how the five stages of design thinking — empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test — can be applied to refining academic library support for KS.

Outcomes
The WG developed a draft problem statement, workplan, and timeline in February 2025. The problem statement was further validated and refined after completing an environmental scan, literature review, interviews with library leadership, and focus groups with librarians and library assistants supporting KS. Solutions were ideated and 13 high impact short- and medium-term recommendations were created, validated, and refined. Next steps include prioritizing the recommendations, developing and testing solutions, and implementing and evaluating the solutions with the most promise . Results from the prototype and test stages of the project will be discussed as available.

Discussion
Lessons learned (e.g., respecting librarian autonomy) from the application of the design thinking process and future directions for KS support at the libraries will be discussed. The authors will also reflect on how design thinking principles can be applied to other library services and contexts.