The State of ETDs in the Lone Star State: An Update for 2014/2015

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2015-01-13

Authors

Lyon, Colleen

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Objective: To follow up on a 2009 survey regarding the status of ETDs at Texas institutions with more current information that can be used to guide program planning for the Texas Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Association (TxETDA).

Methods: Surveyed library and graduate school staff at 49 thesis or dissertation granting institutions in Texas during November and December of 2014 via an online survey. The survey sought to answer questions such as: Which institutions in Texas manage ETDs and which do not How many paper/electronic theses and dissertations are being managed at each institution per academic year Which departments on campus are primarily responsible for ETDs What types of ETD support are provided to students

Results: 49 institutions were surveyed and 38 responded. Analysis is currently in progress. Preliminary results indicate the following. 76% of the responding institutions accept ETDs (up from 45% in 2009), 15% plan to accept ETDs in 1-2 years (it was 26% in 2009) Of those who presently accept ETDs, 13% receive and process them via email, ftp, or CD-ROM instead of an online submission system (in 2009 this was 27%) Institutions continue to face challenges in several areas including copyright, embargoes on ETDs, non-traditional formats being submitted, communication between Graduate College and library, and providing ETD-related instruction to students. Institutions are very interested in sharing best practices, policies and procedures

Conclusions: After finishing the analysis, the results of the survey will be posted on the TxETDA listserv and blog. The results will help TxETDA identify the challenges of its members, facilitate collaboration to meet those challenges, and increase ETD submission at our institutions.

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