Manual collaboration
Everyone at UiO has access to the desktop version of NVivo on their own computer. Collaboration can be achieved by either taking turns working on the same project file, or by making copies of the file that each person codes, and then merging them to compare coding. Important things to remember about these options are:
Taking turns working on the same project file
- Only one person can work on the project file at a time.
- You must use the same version of NVivo and for the same platform (Windows or Mac) throughout the work.
- The file cannot be stored in a cloud service (such as OneDrive or iCloud) when it is being worked on, but you can share it via email/OneDrive as long as you save the file locally on your computer when you work on it, and upload it again when you are finished.
- You can see who (user profile) has coded what, by using Coding Stripes and comparing coding with Coding Comparison Query.
Make copies of the master file and merge when coded
- You can make copies of the project file and distribute them to those who will code the project file.
- You must use the same version of NVivo and for the same platform (Windows or Mac) throughout the work.
- When everyone has coded their copy of the project file, it can be merged into the master file of the project. Once the files are merged, the coding can be compared across those who have coded.
- You can see who (user profile) has coded what, by using Coding Stripes and comparing coding with Coding Comparison Query.
- See also Alfasoft's tips for sharing project files and reviewing user profiles.
NVivo Collaboration additional services
NVivo offers two additional services for real-time collaboration, both of which cost extra. Only NVivo Collaboration Server is approved for use at UiO. NVivo Collaboration Cloud is not approved for use at UiO due to security and privacy concerns.
NVivo Collaboration Server
NVivo Collaboration Server is intended for research groups that need to work on an NVivo project file simultaneously. Everyone in the group can then work on the same project and have immediate access to the changes made by the other project members.
A secure server is set up and operated by IT for working with up to red data. If necessary, it can also be set up for black data. The service cost must be covered by the academic community that wishes to use the service. Contact IT for setup and price, and UB for help and guidance in using the service. Also read more about collaboration in NVivo Collaboration Server.
General tips for collaboration in NVivo
NVivo has several tips for collaboration that are useful, regardless of the use of NVivo Collaboration Cloud (which is not approved for use at UiO).