A suggested data structure for transparent and repeatable reporting of bibliographic searching

Area of Science:

• Information Science
• Library Science
• Bibliometrics

Background:

• Academic searching is crucial for research, supporting information retrieval, knowledge expansion, and literature synthesis.
• Transparent reporting of search activities is vital for evidence syntheses, yet achieving full repeatability remains challenging.
• Recent reporting guidance, such as PRISMA-S, highlights the importance of search methodology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address challenges in transparently reporting bibliographic searches.
• To introduce a standardized data structure for comprehensive and repeatable reporting of search histories.
• To improve the quality and interoperability of literature review tools.

Main Methods:

• A group of international experts in informatics and library sciences developed the standardized data structure.
• The development process involved detailed explanation of the data structure's components.
• Practical applicability was demonstrated through tools designed for literature review authors.

Main Results:

• A novel, standardized data structure for reporting academic search histories has been created.
• The data structure facilitates transparent and comprehensive documentation of search processes.
• The structure enhances interoperability across literature management tools.

Conclusions:

• The proposed data structure offers a solution for transparent and repeatable reporting of academic searches.
• Adoption by the research community and tool developers can significantly raise the standard of evidence syntheses.
• This initiative promotes better academic searching practices and more reliable research outcomes.