OBJECTIVES: To provide a preliminary review of text-mining tools as an emerging methodology to support systematic review processes. METHODS: We conducted a literature search to identify and summarize research on the use of text-mining tools within the systematic review context. We conducted telephone interviews with Key Informants using a semi-structured instrument, and subsequent qualitative analysis to explore issues surrounding implementation and use of text-mining tools. Lastly, we compiled a list of text-mining tools to support systematic review methods and evaluated the tools using an informal descriptive appraisal tool. RESULTS: The literature review identified 670 articles, 122 of which met inclusion criteria. Support for the use of text mining was strong amongst the Key Informants overall, though most noted performance caveats or areas requiring further research. We describe 111 text-mining tools identified from the literature review and KI interviews. CONCLUSIONS: Text-mining tools are currently being used in a wide range of applications, including support for systematic review searching, screening, appraisal, and synthesis. The literature-base is growing, although likely not as quickly as ongoing innovation. Additional research is needed to address the reliability, validity, and practicality of these emerging technologies in the context of the systematic literature review.