Positive response to CORDIS user survey
Results obtained from a survey of users and potential users will help in planning the future development of the CORDIS service. Carried out over the period September 1991 to February 1992, the survey aimed to provide information on user satisfaction levels, to better define the further development of existing and new services and of the user terminals and interfaces to be supported. Response analysis reveals that the total number of users is very much higher than the number of registered users, as often colleagues share access to CORDIS. A good overall level of satisfaction was also registered, with ease of access, ease of signing-up and usefulness of information scoring highly. However, the overall satisfaction rating was pulled back by lower scores for training courses and awareness seminars. In this context, replies from registered but inactive users often indicated that they were awaiting training or information on the services. Other reasons for inactivity included data communications (31%) and difficulty in determining the content of the databases (20%). Nevertheless, 88.7% of this group expected to use the CORDIS service within the next twelve months. As a result of the large quantity of information gathered by the survey (including written comments by many users) four key areas have been identified for management consideration. These are: - Increased numbers of training and awareness seminars; - Improvements in the edit and search routines to speed access to data; - Improved access arrangements, probably via the new research networks or via local hosts; - Assessment of the potential for regular distribution on CD-ROM or other media. The survey was undertaken by an organization independent of the database providers or operations support staff. Its report concludes that, with attention to the key issues raised, there is potential for a dramatic increase in the numbers of active users, given the demonstrated need for the CORDIS database services. CORDIS management wishes to thank all the users who have contributed to this survey.