What the new IMS means to Authors

The new IMS will integrate the software programs currently used by Review Groups (RevMan, ModMan) into one streamlined Internet-based system. Using a standard Internet browser, accurate and up-to-date resources such as contact details, protocols, reviews, studies, review group topic lists, and other information will be easily accessible to all Cochrane entities (with the appropriate access rights).

Additional advantages of the new IMS will include the avoidance of duplication of data; centralised back-up and archiving of reviews and other documents; a check-in/check-out system that ensures that authors, editors, and CRG staff are always working with the latest version of a RevMan file; the ability to track reviews during their preparation and maintenance; and the automation of some administrative and editorial tasks.

Benefits for Authors

• Easy access to protocols and reviews, with improved version control

  From within RevMan, you will be able to use the new check-in/check-out system to download protocols and reviews from the central server for editorial review and comment. The new system will improve version control so that you will always know which is the latest version of a review.

• Easier RevMan file sharing with co-authors and your editorial base

  When you want to send your review or protocol to co-authors or the staff at your editorial base, you can simply check it back into the central server from RevMan, where the others will be able to access it. It will no longer be necessary to locate the latest version of the file, export it from RevMan, and attach it to an email.

• Protection of your RevMan files

  Central archiving and back-up of your RevMan files will protect you from data loss.

• Ability to monitor the progress of your review or protocol through the editorial process

  By logging onto the central server, you will be able to check which stage your draft is at in your Group’s editorial process.

• Easy access to up-to-date contact details

  By browsing under or searching for People in the new IMS, you will have access to up-to-date contact details for staff at your editorial base and other authors and people within the Collaboration. Contact information accessed from the new IMS, whether for one person or a group of people, can then be easily exported in a format suited to your purpose. You will also be able to check and edit, if necessary, your own contact details.

More information

If you would like to find out more about the plans for the IMS, an introduction paper is available from www.cc-ims.net/download/imsg/newims.pdf.