IT in the ETD puzzle: making the pieces fit

Abstract

While some universities moved to an ETD (Electronic Theses and Dissertations) program in the previous century, many have still not fully embraced this method. Perhaps it is a lack of awareness or coordination of services among students, departments, colleges, Graduate School, Library and IT (Information Technology). However all who have moved agree the effort spent to develop an ETD program can save money for the institution and for the students as well.This panel session by staff from Indiana University Bloomington, University of Delaware, and West Virginia University will present their perspective on ETD at their institutions, the ETD development process and life cycle, and provide specific resources and recommendations for growing an ETD program. The primary focus of the discussion will be on the role IT support may play during the creation and publishing of an ETD, and IT support before, during and after an ETD program has been established, and how to grow that support effectively. Audience participation will be strongly encouraged.The ETD programs of these three institutions represent different levels of program maturity and IT support in ETD programs.