Electronic thesis development at Cranfield University

Abstract: Purpose – To describe the issues involved in the introduction of mandatory submission of electronic theses at Cranfield University. Design/methodology/approach – Background information on how the availability of e-theses has developed at Cranfield University is provided along with discussions and advice on issues such as the choice of software, thesis submission workflow and timeframes, particularly in relation to the publication of thesis-related articles. It also looks at metadata issues as well as both retrieval and usage of electronic theses. Finally it describes how the service has expanded from e-theses to other types of material and to the development and expansion of an institutional repository for Cranfield. Findings – It is shown that there are a number of issues that will need to be addressed from the points of view of librarians, academic staff and registry staff and that one effective method of managing the process is to set up a working group with all stakeholders in the process. There is a clear need for administrative procedures to be discussed in detail and a recognition that the time involved in changing regulations may be significant. Practical implications – It is clear that most of the issues that have arisen at Cranfield as outlined in the paper will be mirrored at other institutions that are considering the same changes, and so those institutions looking at the area of e-thesis submission may gain some useful insights. Originality/value – This paper provides useful advice on the issues that will arise as institutions go through the process of introducing the mandatory submission of electronic theses.