Introspection: Library science student involvement with evidence synthesis/health sciences

As evidence synthesis services continue to expand, health science librarians are increasinglychallenged by the number of systematic review requests whilst attempting to cultivate the nextgeneration of professionals. Additionally, entering health science librarianship can often beconfusing or tough for students due to limited opportunities offered. This presentation shares anintrospective approach on how integrating library science students and experiential learning inevidence synthesis can foster confidence, professional identity and a deeper understanding ofhealth science librarianship. Through personal experience, this presentation explores the barriers that library students mayface when seeking meaningful experiences in health science librarianship, such as limitedawareness and existence of available opportunities, the notion of evidence synthesis requiringextensive prior experience and the possible avenues to dissuade or lower these barriers whilstalleviating the growing workload that most within the field face. As an MLS student, I sought opportunities during my program, such as being selected for afellowship to support MLS students interested in exploring health science librarianship. Throughmentorship from a health sciences librarian, I became familiarized with the field and evidencesynthesis. I also joined a team of interdisciplinary librarians working on evidence synthesis andpartnered on an ongoing scoping review project.In this talk, I will share how these opportunities provided a foundation of essential skills as astudent nearing graduation and pursuing health sciences librarianship. Through theseinteractions, partnering with MLS students is one way to shepherd the next wave ofprofessionals whilst helping to lighten growing review requests.