Scoping Reviews in LIS: A Process for Collaboration and Learning

Abstract

Scoping reviews, which offer a broad look at the published literature while maintaining rigor, are increasingly common in library and information science (LIS), as well as the disciplines that research librarians serve. Best practices for scoping reviews have been established primarily through the fields of health and medicine. Undertaking a LIS scoping review project following these best practices, a research team of librarians found them to be applicable to LIS scoping reviews as well, though considerations like document type and time management have more particular implications in LIS. LIS practitioner researchers should use the model for scoping reviews developed for health and medical research, adjusting as necessary. Following these best practices not only increases the rigor and quality of scoping reviews in LIS, but also helps librarians to better understand the processes their patrons may be using for scoping reviews, as university librarians are regularly expected to assist in such efforts.