2026-06-03 –, Room #2 Language: English
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.
Neera Bhatnagar, BSc, MLIS, is the Head of Public Services & Systems, Coordinator of Research Support at the Health Sciences Library, McMaster University. In addition to her manager role, she serves as liaison to several health sciences graduate education programs and supports students and researchers with complex information needs. With over 30 years of professional experience, she is an expert in advanced literature searching supporting knowledge synthesis and plays an active role on research teams conducting systematic reviews, meta-analyses, clinical practice guidelines, and other complex projects. Other professional interests include open access publishing, evidence-based practice, research data management, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in health research and information management.
Jeff Mason is a librarian at McMaster University’s Health Sciences Library supporting health innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization initiatives across the university.
Katie Merriman (she/her) is a Teaching and Learning Librarian supporting STEM. She supports science students with research in one-on-one consults and in-class settings. She has a long-standing history and expertise in supporting evidence synthesis projects, including systematic reviews, scoping reviews and rapid reviews, co-authoring several .