Electronic Dissertations at West Virginia University

Abstract

Implementation of the West Virginia University Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) program has proven to be one of our most effective marketing tools to promote the graduate research of our students, faculty and programs. A multimedia demo will be presented which highlights notable multimedia submissions of actual WVU ETDs, including video clips, still shots, and informational slides accompanied by musical background themes. The merits of adopting ETD and other digital document publication programs will be emphasized in terms of positive exposure for the student and institution, new modes of communication, facilitation of research via Web distribution, and cost efficiency. More importantly, the successes of digital library programs have contributed to a process that is transforming West Virginia's economy by shifting its base towards technology and diversification by providing academic research access to the world.