Electronic Thesis and Dissertations (ETD) Submission at Shodhganga Repository by Indian Universities: An Evaluative Study

Abstract

India is the world’s third largest country in terms of higher education system, which includes about 889 universities and more than 39871 colleges. In the context of higher education, Electronic Thesis and Dissertations (ETDs) produced at universities/institutions, constitute important scholarly communication and knowledge source for all research and development activities. By the turn of the 21st century, ETDs repositories have become established components of many universities in India. In the electronic environment, ETDs form one of the most popular and useful open access resources for academicians and researchers at the global level. UGC, therefore, has made submission of ETDs of M.Phil./Ph.D. courses mandatory, in accordance with the Minimum Standards & Procedure for Award of PhD/M.Phil Degree, Regulation, 2009. It was done to facilitate open access to ETDs by researchers in Indian Universities and Institutes of Higher learning. Until December 2018, total numbers of ETDs submitted by 381 Indian universities in the repository is 210548. This paper describes the changing role of library professional with special reference to ETDs management in Indian Universities.

Keywords: ETDs Repositories, Electronic Thesis and Dissertations, ETD, Indian Universities, Shodhganga, Deterring Plagiarism

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