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:
Inclusion and diversity
Equity
Community and belonging
Connecting across disciplines and expertise
Learning
High quality research
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