Article type
Year
Abstract
Background:
The Cochrane Library iPad edition was launched in December 2012. The app was devised to provide a new platform for the dissemination of Cochrane Systematic Reviews and is free to download via the Apple iTunes Store. Each issue contains an editorial and up to 12 specially abridged and enhanced Cochrane reviews chosen by the Editor-in-Chief.
Objectives:
To analyse data collected from visitors to the app. To survey users of the app to find out if the features available are meeting their expectations. To survey non-users of the app using The Cochrane Library social networks and email contacts to find out whether there are features that may make the app more desirable and useful to new potential users.
Methods:
Google Analytics has been used to collect data on visitors to the app since just after launch (9 January 2013). A survey using the online survey platform Qualtrics will be promoted via the app, email messaging, and The Cochrane Library’s social media channels.
Results:
The app was downloaded just under 18,000 times in 2013 and has experienced unexpected popularity with users in Colombia and other countries that are not traditionally associated with high usage of The Cochrane Library. The results of the user survey will be analysed in June 2014.
Conclusions:
The app is currently appealing to a wide audience. We wish to continue to develop the app to meet the expectations of users and provide features that match their needs. Conclusions will be drawn from the analysis once the data are available.
The Cochrane Library iPad edition was launched in December 2012. The app was devised to provide a new platform for the dissemination of Cochrane Systematic Reviews and is free to download via the Apple iTunes Store. Each issue contains an editorial and up to 12 specially abridged and enhanced Cochrane reviews chosen by the Editor-in-Chief.
Objectives:
To analyse data collected from visitors to the app. To survey users of the app to find out if the features available are meeting their expectations. To survey non-users of the app using The Cochrane Library social networks and email contacts to find out whether there are features that may make the app more desirable and useful to new potential users.
Methods:
Google Analytics has been used to collect data on visitors to the app since just after launch (9 January 2013). A survey using the online survey platform Qualtrics will be promoted via the app, email messaging, and The Cochrane Library’s social media channels.
Results:
The app was downloaded just under 18,000 times in 2013 and has experienced unexpected popularity with users in Colombia and other countries that are not traditionally associated with high usage of The Cochrane Library. The results of the user survey will be analysed in June 2014.
Conclusions:
The app is currently appealing to a wide audience. We wish to continue to develop the app to meet the expectations of users and provide features that match their needs. Conclusions will be drawn from the analysis once the data are available.