Meta-Analysis: The Librarian as a Member of an Interdisciplinary Research Team

The interdisciplinary nature of interdisciplinary research is explored, a brief explanation of the Integrative Review of Research (IRR) is provided, and the librarian’s role or roles in the various stages of the project are described.

Abstract

META-ANALYSIS IS A quantitative statistical tool for combining research studies with a small study population to achieve a larger effect in size. It combines the talents of subject experts, statisticians, meta-analytic specialists, information management professionals, and librarians, creating a multidisciplinary team. This article will explore the interdisciplinary nature of interdisciplinary research, provide a brief explanation of the Integrative Review of Research (IRR) of which meta-analysis can be a part, and describe the librarian’s role or roles in the various stages of the project. Finally, a look at developing trends or issues in the area will be discussed.