NVivo Starter Guide

What is NVivo?

NVivo is computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (CAQDAS) for supporting qualitative and mixed-methods data analysis of textual and audiovisual data sources. Some of the features of NVivo are:

• Organize and code multiple data sources in one project file
• Assign attributes to data and compare them
• Adding interpretations and notes to your data and codes
• Query and search your data
• Visualize your data

This guide has been built to assist with getting you started with this powerful research tool, and gathers resources from many different sources to help you take advantage of its capabilities.

Sage Research Methods has great resources for learning more about NVivo

Request to Borrow NVivo

Accessing NVivo

In partnership with IT, the Library currently maintains 35 licenses that it lends out for 30 days at a time. You are able to request NVivo via the library's website.

Requests are processed 12-24 hours before the requested check-out date. When complete, you will receive emails from NVivo's parent company, Lumivero, to complete the lending process. There is not a license key that you need to input into the NVivo App. You only need the account email and password that you used as part of the myLumivero account creation.

Once you have access, you may download NVivo onto your personal computer; however, the Library and IT cannot assist with installation on personally owned devices. The IT Help Desk may be contacted for assistance with installing NVivo on machines owned by the institution.

Remember to backup and download your files before your 30-day checkout ends. Once the checkout period ends, you will NOT lose your files. However, you will no longer be able to open your files in NVivo until a new license is requested from the library.

Accessing NVivo: Step-by-Step Instructions

1) Request a NVivo license on the library website.

2) Once the request has been processed by the library, you will receive an email from Lumivero. Click the "Retrieve my license" link in the email:

3) After clicking on "Retrieve my account"  fill out the form to create an Lumivero account.

Note: When filling out the form, you'll get asked if you are affiliated with an academic institution. Enter yes, and the for the website enter: https://www.thechicagoschool.edu

4) Once you've created an account you'll need to enter a code, sent to your email, on the verification page.

5) To download NVivo once you've created an account, click on Manage:

Then, click on Download NVivo for Windows, OR click on "Other Versions" if you are using a non-Windows operating system.

Minimum System Requirements