Evidence Synthesis (ES) is a collection of research methods that allows researchers to identify, characterize, evaluate, and summarize all relevant evidence on a research question. ES projects can identify gaps in evidence, inform policymakers and practitioners, and establish an evidence base for best-practice guidance. Select examples of ES methods include systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, evidence maps, and systematic reviews with meta-analysis.
CSU Libraries offers expert consultations and instruction sessions on systematic reviews and evidence synthesis methods, tools, search strategies, and more for faculty, staff, and students across CSU. Please reach out!
Self-guided learning
Learn about the evidence synthesis process from concept to publication, including methods, guidelines, templates, tools, search design, and more.
Librarian Support
Our Evidence Synthesis Librarian can help you identify your project type, recognize core methods and reporting procedures, plan a search strategy, and more.
Support is available to CSU-affiliated researchers in all roles—student, faculty, or staff.
Consultations and general inquiries
Complete the form below for all inquiries or consultation requests related to evidence synthesis projects. We’ll answer questions in the order they’re received. Delays in responses can occur when we get a high volume of inquiries.
Search strategy reviews
Did you know we can review the search strategy for your evidence synthesis project? If your search design is completed or nearly completed, fill out the worksheet linked below and email it to us.
But before requesting a review, we recommend meeting at least once with our Evidence Synthesis Librarian to understand what’s expected of a search design.
To request a review:
- Download and complete this search strategy review worksheet
- Email the completed worksheet to evidence_synthesis@colostate.libanswers.com
Classroom or lab team instruction and support
Need classroom instruction or support for a research lab, department training, or any other CSU affiliated group?
We provide instruction sessions on systematic reviews and evidence synthesis methods, tools, search designs, appraisals, and more. We require at least two weeks’ notice for all requests. Asynchronous support may take longer to arrange, depending on the need.
Evidence synthesis support policies
You can request up to five (5) contact hours of consultation services for any evidence synthesis project.
Responses to search strategy review requests require a minimum of one (1) week to complete and may take as many as three (3) weeks. Please keep this in mind when planning project timelines.
Acknowledgement and co-authorship
We requests that meaningful methodological and search support offered by a CSU librarian be credited as a named acknowledgment in the final publication. Co-authorship may be discussed for significant contributions. When co-authorship is relevant, the librarian should have the opportunity to review and edit the appropriate sections of a manuscript before submission.