:: RGU ETD >> ETDs >> Academic Staff


ETDs	INFORMATION FOR ACADEMICS:.

WHAT ARE THEY?

ETD LIFECYCLE

USAGE STATISTICS

ADVOCACY

ACADEMIC STAFF

ETD COLLECTIONS

RGU

Academic Staff The support of academic staff and senior management within the university is key to the success of a programme to introduce and sustain an ETD collection. Generating enthusiasm and obtaining the necessary changes to policies and regulations may take a significant length of time. The following issues should be taken into consideration at an early stage in the advocacy process:
:: University Regulations Existing regulations and supporting documentation relating to the submission of theses and dissertations should be checked to identify where changes are required. Examples of regulations from universities which already accept ETDs could be consulted for ideas of alternative wording. The procedure and timescale involved in having suggested changes to regulations considered and accepted by appropriate committees should be understood and the programme to introduce ETDs planned accordingly. Consideration should be given as to whether ETDs will be introduced as an option initially – or as a mandatory requirement. Considerations should be given as to whether ‘born-digital’ theses (i.e. those in a format which does not allow for a paper equivalent) will be accepted – or just electronic versions of paper theses. A plan should be in place for ensuring that changes to the regulations are adequately publicised after they have been formally agree.
:: Culture Change Events should be organised to promote the advantages of ETDs to research supervisors e.g. Immediate access to ETDs Remote access to ETDs 24/7 access to ETD Simultaneous use by multiple numbers of researchers Full content searches The chance for students to express their results in more flexible and more creative ways. Visiting speakers could be invited and international developments relating to ETDs highlighted. Examples could be provided of increased levels of usage when theses are made available electronically. Departments which show enthusiasm towards the adoption of ETDs should be highlighted and encouraged. The I.T. infrastructure should be in place to allow theses to be uploaded and made available as soon as the content is provided. Appropriate equipment and software should be available for students, and guidance notes made available where appropriate. Training for supervisors should be provided and publicised (particularly with regard to I.T. and areas of potential concern such as copyright). Supervisors should be kept informed about the training that will be provided for students and about sources of advice and support.

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