Choosing and using methodological search filters: searchers' views.

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Library Science
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Search filters are strategies used by information specialists and librarians to refine evidence retrieval from bibliographic databases.
• Understanding searcher behavior and decision-making processes for filter selection is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how information specialists utilize search filters.
• To explore the criteria and information sources influencing their choice of filters.
• To identify desired information for improved filter selection.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews were conducted with information specialists at the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
• A quantitative online questionnaire survey was distributed through various email lists.

Main Results:

• Interviews (n=16) and questionnaires (n=90) revealed filters are primarily used to reduce large literature sets and focus on single study types.
• Information specialists face challenges in selecting filters due to knowledge gaps and time constraints.
• Multiple methods are employed to identify and choose among various search filters.

Conclusions:

• Search filters are essential tools for managing large datasets and targeting specific research methodologies.
• Improving filter selection requires less technical information, standardized ratings, and transparent details on validation and provenance.