Susan Copeland: E-Theses Developments in the UK

6. Current Developments

Despite the best efforts of the members of UTOG, and librarians and academic staff in a number of other universities in the UK, it had become apparent by 2001/2002 that widespread adoption of ETDs was only likely to happen when developments could be seen at national level. Although there was little activity in this area in the UK, interested individuals were keping abreast of developments internationally. News of ongoing developments, particularly in the U.S., Australia, Germany, France and Scandinavia, served as a reminder that this was an area in which the UK was going to be left behind unless some major activity took place. Web sites showed how other universities were making their PhD and Masters level research output available, and how they were gaining publicity by doing so. Evidence of increased awareness and use of theses, for example as illustrated in Virginia Tech‘s Web pages of usage statistics, proved useful in making the case for ETDs.<6> Within particular universities, individuals have continued to advocate acceptance of ETDs. Already, in the first few months of 2003, library staff at several universities, including those at Cranfield, Leeds and RGU, have taken papers to their appropriate committees to gain approval for electronic submission and storage of theses. It has been the growing momentum internationally that has kept individuals in the UK motivated and keen to persevere with their efforts.


Footnotes:
<6> http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/data/somefacts.html



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