Electronic Format For Theses and Dissertations

ETD Task Force Status Report to the Graduate Administrative Board

August 22, 2007

The ETD Task Force has been charged with developing processes and procedures for transitioning from print to mandatory electronic format for theses and dissertations (ETDs). As recognized in a recent EDUCAUSE report, two of the main advantages of ETDs are increased visibility of scholarship produced at the university and the ability to include non-text materials, such as raw research data, video, audio, images, and simulations. Publication of theses and dissertations in electronic format is faster, cheaper and requires less storage space. Wide knowledge of good quality theses and dissertations strengthens the faculty, the graduate programs and the university. An ETD program also helps educate students about the electronic publishing landscape, format standards, and the legal principles of information use and dissemination.

The ETD Task Force recommends that dissertations written at East Carolina University continue to be submitted for inclusion in the Proquest Dissertations & Theses database, and that theses also are submitted to Proquest. The Task Force recommends adoption of the free Proquest online submission tool to facilitate this process. In addition, the ETD Task Force recommends that students be required to submit a copy of their ETD to the ECU Libraries for inclusion in the proposed ECU Institutional Repository and/or the library online catalog.

The Task Force proposes the following schedule for the transition from print to electronic format:

Fall 2007:

• Develop processes and procedures
• Seek input from the Graduate Administrative Board on policy decisions and the best methods for informing faculty and gathering their input

Spring 2008:

• Set up online submission process with Proquest
• Have local web site support in place
• Conduct information sessions and workshops

Fall 2008:

• Pilot or phase-in program for 1-5 departments/programs

Fall 2009:

• Optional online submission for all departments/programs

Fall 2010:

• Required online submission

The ETD Task Force has identified a number of issues that will require broad discussion and input from the Graduate Administrative Board, graduate faculty and other interested parties. Throughout the transition process from print to electronic theses and dissertations submission, the ETD Task Force wants to ensure that all graduate faculty are fully informed and have input in policy decisions. The Task Force will seek guidance from the Graduate School Administrative Board on the preferred means of communicating with and involving graduate faculty.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Martha Alligood, School of Nursing
Jeff Coghill, Laupus Library
Monica Hough, School of Allied Health
Daniel Hudock, Graduate Student Council
Janice S. Lewis, Joyner Library
Dr. Vivian Mott, College of Education
Dr. Belinda Patterson (Chair), Graduate School
Dr. Heather Ries, College of Arts & Sciences
Dr. Marty Roop, Brody School of Medicine
Dr. Art Rouse, College of Education

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This page most recently revised on 29. November 2008.