Authors: Copeland, Susan; Penman, Andrew; Milne, Richard

Source: Program: electronic library & information systems, Volume 39, Number 3, 2005 , pp. 185-197(13)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract:

<B>Purpose</B> - 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. <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - 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. <B>Findings</B> - 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. <B>Practical implications</B> - The JISC-funded EThOS project is taking forward many of the recommendations from the Electronic Theses project. <B>Originality/value</B> - 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.

Keywords: Best practice; Electronic publishing; Higher education; Theses; United Kingdom

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/00330330510610546

Publication date: 2005-09-01

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