A search alert is like saving a search, except that you give an additional command for how the search is to be re-run. The alert notifies you when the search has been re-run, and delivers only the new results.
Elizabeth While has created a guide to creating search alerts in several databases. See it here.
If you are working on a traditional narrative review, your needs will be simpler than for a systematic review. For a literature review, you will likely only need tools available from within databases and a citation manager. Larger projects have more tasks.
Tasks and some methods:
Database individual accounts (e.g., ProQuest folder, EBSCOHost folder)
Citation management programs
RefWorks: A cloud-based system (log in online)
EndNote: A client-based system (downloadable program) with a cloud space for back-up.
These two systems are fully supported by UGA Libraries. Get them for free through UGA Libraries. You can get one-on-one assistance and training from a UGA Librarian. There is also a toll free technical support number.
Mendeley: A client-based system (downloadable program) with cloud space for back-up.
Systematic review software has changed over the years. Previously, you had to depend on departmental access to software that would cost several hundred dollars. Now that the software is cloud-based, tiered payment systems are now available. Sometimes there is a free tier level, but costs go up for functionality, number or users, or both. Depending on the organization's model, payments may be monthly, annual or per project/review.
TIPS
NOTE
Example: EndNote -> Google Forms -> Excel
In this example, a faculty member is keeping track of search strategies in an Excel file. Each strategy has a number. The citations pulled for each strategy are placed into EndNote X7 Groups for organization. He creates a separate group for all search strategies in order to use the "Find Duplicates" feature. This is one way to do this. This example used a much older version of EndNote. In the newer EndNote versions, you can also use Group Set titles to see a total for the sets in the group. This will allow you to highlight references for "Find Duplicates". However, there may be reasons to keep duplicates in a separate set. Ask a librarian who is also a citation management trainer for advice with workflow.
The video also shows using a Google Form to streamline and standardize analysis notes. Many of your librarians are familiar with Forms and with a UGA program called Qualtrics. Discuss additional software and programs with your librarian.
Sample of video starts at 3:41, but you are welcome to select "Play from beginning" for the entire video.