Electronic theses: the turning point.

Copeland, Susan; Penman, Andrew; Milne, Richard

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the key findings of the UK JISC-funded Electronic Theses project that was led by The Robert Gordon University, as well as the results of associated projects that formed part of the JISC-funded “FAIR” programme, and the way in which the recommendations will be taken forward. Design/methodology/approach: The research involved: an assessment of existing best practice relating to the production, management and use of e-theses; the use of questionnaires to obtain feedback from potential users; the identification and testing of potentially useful software; consideration of the elements required in a metadata core set, and discussions with representative bodies to ensure that the model recommended for use in the UK had support from the key stakeholders. Findings: Information is provided about the value of the NDLTD web site, the suitability of DSpace and EPrints software for institutional e-theses repositories, and the recommended infrastructure for the operation of an e-theses service at national level. Details are included about the agreed metadata core set for UK e-theses, and advice is provided about administrative, legal and cultural issues. Practical implications: The JISC-funded EThOS project is taking forward many of the recommendations from the Electronic Theses project. Originality/value: The research results described in this paper will be of use to institutions, which are aiming to establish their own e-theses collections. The details provided about the UK approach towards the management of e-theses may be of use in countries, which have not yet made their theses available in electronic format.

Citation

COPELAND, S., PENMAN, A. and MILNE, R., 2005. Electronic theses: the turning point. Program: electronic library and information systems [online], 39 (3), pages 185-197. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330510610546

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 31, 2005
• Online Publication Date: Dec 31, 2005
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2005
• Deposit Date: Nov 9, 2006
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 9, 2006
• Journal: Program: electronic library and information systems
• Print ISSN: 0033-0337
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 39
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 185-197
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330510610546
• Keywords: Theses; Electronic publishing; Higher education; United Kingdom
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/40