Are you listening? Podcasts from The Cochrane Library; a review

Article type
Authors
Simmonds L1, Clarke M2, Mavergames C3
1Wiley-Blackwell, Chichester, UK
2UK Cochrane Centre, Oxford, UK
3German Cochrane Centre, Freiburg, Germany
Abstract
Background: Podcasts from The Cochrane Library were first launched in January 2008. Since then, there has been an increase in acceptance from authors to record podcasts, but also a huge increase in usage for Cochrane podcasts. Now, with monthly publication, and fewer podcasts published, but more frequently, how will this affect the usage? Objectives: The poster will highlight the dissemination of podcasts around the world, and analyse who is listening to the podcasts from The Cochrane Library from 2008 to April 2010. It will also cover the developments of the podcasts from the pilot project in 2008 through to the first quarter of 2010, with monthly publication and additional features. Methods: Cochrane podcast statistics are collected on a regular basis and disseminated to authors. These statistics will be used to form the basis of the poster, with comparisons of usage from quarterly publication during 2008 and 2009, alongside the monthly publication of January April 2010. Results: We know from the previous years, what a huge success the podcasts have been for The Cochrane Library. With the move to monthly publication, and the addition of Cochrane Journal Club podcasts, the results from the usage data will raise future development questions that will keep the Cochrane Podcasts evolving. There are some interesting questions also raised about the missing data that we don t have access to. Conclusions: Cochrane podcasts have been a huge success since 2008. By analysing the results from 2008 through to April 2010, it will be clear how the pilot project has evolved and will raise further development questions that need to be addressed, moving into 2011. We are hopeful that by sharing the statistical information about the podcast usage, it will engage more authors and review groups to participate in Cochrane podcasts.