Electronic Theses The RGU Project Background to the Project Aims and Objectives Dr. Susan Copeland

University of London Library Consortium Members

Advantages of E-Theses (1) For Researchers: Immediate access Remote access 24/7 access Simultaneous multi-users Full content searches

Advantages of E-Theses (2) For Students: Improved access Cost effective production Improved IT skills Greater creativity/flexibility in expressing results

Advantages of E-Theses (3) For Libraries: Reduced storage space Fewer Inter-Library Loans Staff time saved on shelving etc.

Concerns and Issues Staff Time IT expertise Students Supervisors Examiners IT Infrastructure IPR, Copyright Archiving Central repository

The Environment E-resources Survey on the use of doctoral theses in British universities International ETD developments

Electronic Theses Project Aim and Timescale (Phase 1) To evaluate a wide range of existing practices of e-theses production, management and use against a set of criteria in order to produce models for use within the UK information environment. July 2002 – July 2004

Objectives (Phase 1) To identify examples of relevant best practice which could be adopted throughout the UK information environment. To evaluate a comprehensive selection of methods, which are used to create, store, organise, manage and access e-theses. To liaise with the Daedalus and Theses Alive! projects. To produce a model, or models, of e-theses production which could be recommended for converting paper-based theses into digital format.

Objectives (Phase 1) …continued To produce a model or models, of e-theses production which could be recommended for creating born-digital theses. To produce a set of guidelines for the storage, organisation and management of the above collections. To produce models for access arrangements to the above, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of centralised, federated, distributed or individual collections.

Aim and Timescale (Phase 2) To develop e-theses in a service environment – taking account of the needs of an independent repository and a broader Virtual Research Environment (VRE). October 2003 – September 2004

Objectives (Phase 2) To create an e-theses archive hosted using EPrints software To create an e-theses archive hosted using DSpace software To demonstrate the integration of the above within institutional WebPages To assess the difference between the capabilities of EPrints and DSpace archives from the point of view of installation, administration and usage. To identify preferred methods of embedding audio-visual resources and interactive material within a single ETD file To identify preferred methods of delivery of e-theses at institutional and national level

Progress Software – DSpace and EPrints Metadata – core set Rights / Licenses Plagiarism Authentication IR – ProfileSkim software Culture change User Education Liaison Daedalus and Theses Alive! NDLTD SCONUL / CIRT E-Measures Project British Library Thesis Service developments

After Today Feedback would be appreciated on: The issues raised Your knowledge and experience of ETD developments Views on the future development of ETDs Communication: The RGU project website: An e-theses mailing list