The HSLG Committee is pleased to announce Round 7 of the Literature Search Peer Review Buddy Scheme.

About the scheme

The scheme began in 2023 as a way for library staff and information specialists in Ireland to learn from each other about literature searching. It gives librarians who run searches a chance to meet peers and share expertise, which helps improve the quality of their searches.

How it works in Round 7

This round pilots a new activity. You act as a journal peer reviewer and appraise the search strategy of a published systematic review.

All librarians and information specialists based in Ireland are welcome to register. Once registration closes, you will be placed in a group of 4-5 participants. Your group will discuss your notes on the article’s search strategy. The PRESS Checklist 2015 (Table 9) can help you structure your appraisal, but you don’t have to use it.

Timeline

• 1 to 20 October 2026: Registration is open.
• 21 October: Participants are told their group and sent a link to the systematic review assigned to it. You will also receive instructions on how to plan your feedback.
• 21 October to 1 December: Each participant appraises the search strategy of the assigned paper. Your group then arranges a 1-hour virtual meeting to discuss your approach and agree what to tell the journal editor. Everyone should contribute, and the group should aim to reach a joint conclusion.
• After 1 December: One member of each group completes the evaluation form.

Register

Register for Round 7 here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/t/MHXAI4/