Ask a librarian and literature search services
The King’s Fund Library team can help you answer questions about health and care, as well as carry out in-depth research for you. They offer a free ‘ask a librarian’ service as well as a paid-for literature search service.
Free enquiry service – ‘ask a librarian’
Our free enquiry service is open to all. If you have a health or social care question, need to check a reference or a fact, or require help with searching our database you can get in touch with us by using the webform below or emailing [email protected].
Our team of information specialists will aim to have an answer for you in one working day. If you need some more in-depth research, you can commission our team to carry out a literature search for you or your organisation.
'Ask a librarian' frequently asked questions
Literature search service
Our team of librarians can carry out in-depth, high-quality searches to help you find the available evidence on a given topic. Using databases with access to journals, books, grey literature, statistical data and narrative reviews, they'll uncover the evidence you need.
To request a search, please complete our online form below, email [email protected] or call us on 020 7307 2568. On receiving your request one of our team will contact you to discuss your needs and give you a quotation for the work.
What is a literature search?
A literature search is a detailed, comprehensive, and systematic search of existing literature published on a specific topic. We search a variety of quality sources including databases, organisational websites, and statistical data to find the best available evidence to answer your research question.
From this search we gather a set of relevant results on the topic in question – usually a list of journal articles, reports or other relevant sources. We can then organise these and send them to you in a format that suits your needs.
You can select from the following:
Examples of our work
Our recent clients include Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership NHS England, The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman and Skills for Care.
Some recent examples of our work include:
Costs
Please contact us via email at [email protected] to receive a quote for the work based on your commissioning organisation and your requirements. Rates start from £1320 +VAT. Discounted rates may be available – please contact us to discuss your needs.