The current state of systematic reviews in library and information studies

• The use of the systematic review method is on the increase in library and information science.
• The relatively poor quantity and quality of literature reports demonstrate the need for further research.
• A critical quality appraisal, process, and report formula framework for the LIS discipline is presented.

Although the systematic review method has, in the past, been applied infrequently in library and information science (LIS) research, its use appears to be increasing. However, the relatively low quantity and poor quality of systematic reviews demonstrate the need for further research in this area. A critical appraisal framework is presented that can be used to guide the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews, at the same time increasing researchers and practitioners' awareness of the importance of such reviews in LIS research. Methods and tools used by scholars who have applied this method are reviewed, and criteria that are essential to achieving high quality systematic review are discussed in depth.