The Global Contribution of E-Theses and Dissertations (ETD): Growth and Development in the Digital Era

Abstract

In the 21st century, world is becoming more and more conscious about information particularly the novel one that emerges through rigorous research conducted by research base of a nation. However, the ideas/information generated through the research requires a proper channel through which its communication as well as dissemination among others would be accomplished. Accordingly, to fulfil the purpose research results are usually published in the form of articles, proceedings, Theses and Dissertations etc. However, among the various forms of research communicating channels Theses and Dissertation are the most valuable mediums for exploring the nascent ideas and information emerged because of thorough research. Since as a major source of information, Theses and Dissertations are predominantly valuable to researchers. Furthermore, they represent the highest intellectual asset of the individuals in a particular field, or a faculty, or subject, thus unswervingly contributing to the growth and development of nation as a whole. Yet, despite the fact, these valuable resources remain hidden due to lack of proper communicating channels and usually rot in anonymity in university libraries and archives. However, the advents of technological transformations have helped a great deal to explore these treasures of knowledge. In this regard the emergence of Electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) are a somewhat an innovative approach of research and scholarly communication paving way to explore the otherwise a hidden treasure across the globe. However, their visibility solely depends upon how well they have been made accessible to others and through which channel. In above perspective emergence open access E-theses repositories proved to be boon for scholarly communication.

Keywords: Repositories, Open Access (OA), Open Access (OA) Repositories, ETD, DOAR, Information Technology

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