ESMARConf2023: A reference manager for research synthesis in R
Channel: ESMARConf
Date: 2023-03-28

Presenter: Marc Lajeunesse
Authors: Lajeunesse, Marc
Session: Searching and record management 1
Title: A study-centric reference manager for research synthesis in R
Abstract: Reference managers like Zotoro, Mendely, and Endnote are often shoehorned for key tasks like retrieving, organizing, screening, and coding studies for systematic reviews and meta-analysis. However, the biblio-centric, spreadsheet-like UIs of these tools are less than ideal for the fastidious study-level work typically needed for research synthesis. Here I introduce an experimental R package that offers an alternative reference managing design that de-emphasizes tabular interfaces for a more study-centric UI that enhances interactivity, task tracing, coding, and reference readability. The primary goal of the software is to improve user experience and make the diverse and repetitive tasks of research synthesis more palatable.