About LESSS

The Library Evidence Synthesis Services Symposium is about sharing experiences.

LESSS was created out of a desire to connect all evidence synthesis service providers, regardless of discipline, years of experience, or professional development budget. Each individual supporting evidence synthesis has knowledge to share, and it is our hope that this event will allow this diverse community of professionals to learn from and support one another. 

Mission Statement

Our mission is to foster a sense of community among evidence synthesis (ES) service providers across all disciplines and lower the barrier-to-entry for new ES service providers. This conference is meant to provide space for all, regardless of experience. We all have much to learn from one another, whether you’re an ES veteran or are just becoming familiar with the concept.

We are driven by the following values:

Symposium Scope

Who?

Information professionals, librarians, and other knowledge workers who have or want to have experience in providing advanced evidence synthesis services. This is to be interpreted as broadly as possible to include staff, faculty, student, administrative, and un- or under-employed roles. If you are interested in expanding or sharing your skills or perspectives on this topic, you are welcome to attend or propose a presentation. 


What?

Evidence synthesis (ES) refers to a type of research method that attempts to identify and synthesize information to answer a research question, and  includes the more commonly recognized methods (e.g., systematic reviews), but is not exclusive. Discussions and presentations related to supporting all aspects of efforts to synthesize large quantities of evidence in some kind of structured manner are welcome.


Services do not need to be formal. Anyone who is currently providing, planning to provide, or interested in learning how to provide ES services is welcome!


Where?

Wherever you are. The entire conference will be held online-only to increase accessibility to those who might find it difficult to travel. 


Why?

This scope is driven by our mission: to create a community among evidence synthesis service providers and lower the barriers-to-entry for individuals new to the world of supporting evidence synthesis.

LESSS Planning Committee

Cozette Comer

LESSS Cofounder

Evidence Synthesis Services Coordinator

Virginia Tech

Jenessa McElfresh

LESSS Cofounder

Systematic Review Service Coordinator

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

John Carter

Medical Librarian

NYITCOM at Arkansas State University

Anna Ferri

Evidence Synthesis Librarian

Colorado State University

Jackson Hoch

Resident, Evidence Synthesis Services Librarian

Virginia Tech

Modupe Oluwabiyi

Systems Librarian

University of Ibadan

Sarah Young

Social Sciences Librarian; Lead of Evidence Synthesis Services

Carnegie Mellon University

Sponsoring Organizations