Re: [padg] Preserving dissertations

[Julia Merkel <merkeljm@xxxxxxx>]

Grant, Tyra wrote:
> I have a meeting next week to discuss our electronic dissertations 
> practice (of not maintaining dissertation hardcopy backups).
> KU accepts e-dissertations only and maintains no hardcopy or film 
> backups.  The e-dissertations are submitted to ProQuest.
>  
> I've been asked to poll other libraries to learn if other 
> institutions maintain hardcopy backups of their dissertations. 
>  
> 1)    Do students at your university submit electronic dissertations?
               Some doctoral departments require this.  Psychology is one.
>  
> 2)    Do students submit hardcopy dissertations to be added to the 
> library/university archive collections?
               students submit 2 loose paper copies (one for general 
stacks, one for Special Collections),
               the library has them both commercially bound
               it is a major effort every spring as our number of 
graduates keep increasing...
               We also bind undergraduate theses from the Honors program.
>  
> 3)    If you answer "no" to #2,  briefly describe if/how you preserve 
> dissertations to guarantee long term access? 
>  
> 4)    Comments?
               we've discussed electronic theses but have not committed 
at this time--it is a growing concern from a linear foot perspective as 
well as from an accessibility perspective--we've seen an increase in 
multi-format submissions and are concerned about longevity of non-print 
media...a digital repository might solve some of these issues...i think 
we would commit to retaining a non-circulating hard copy, but that might 
be an assumption on my part

>  
> 5)    May I share information from your response (including 
> institution name)? yes
>  
> I'd appreciate as many responses as possible (on or off list).
>  
> I'll compile and share whatever information I gather.
>  
> Thanks,
> Tyra Grant
> Head, Preservation Department
> University of Kansas Libraries
>  

--
Julia Merkel, MFA, ACA
Preservation/Special Collections
JMU Libraries & Educational Technologies
MSC 1704 Carrier Library
Harrisonburg VA 22807
540/568-7040

merkeljm@xxxxxxx