Equity in Information Retrieval

Abstract

Medical librarians and information specialists have unique evidence retrieval skills that can help health technology assessment organizations reduce bias in the evidence they use: They identify gaps in mainstream evidence sources and seek out alternatives that provide the perspectives of underrepresented populations. They create complex and efficient database searches that encompass the wide variety of synonyms and phrases used to describe health disparities and inequities. They use sound, logical, and efficient ways to access evidence from paywalled systems while respecting rights of ownership. They critically appraise information systems to determine if they emphasize biases and inequities or create new ones.