Electronic thesis initiative:
pilot project of McGill University,
Montreal
Eun G. Park
Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, McGill University,
Montreal, Canada
Qing Zou
Lakehead University Library, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, and
David McKnight
Schoenberg Center for Electronic Text and Image,
Van Pelt-Dietrich Library Center, University of Pennsylvania Library,
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Abstract
Purpose – To set up a protocol for electronic thesis and dissertation (ETD) submission for the
electronic thesis initiative pilot project at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
Design/methodology/approach – An electronic thesis and dissertation submission protocol was
implemented and tested. To test authoring tools, we had 50 students submit their theses or
dissertations using one of four style sheets. Word-processed files were converted to PDF and XML
formats. The pilot project team evaluated DigiTool’s effectiveness in digital conversion, capture of
metadata and cataloguing, digital content harvesting, digital preservation, and integration with the
student information system.
Findings – All theses experienced some degree of information loss during the conversion. DigiTool is
still being tested for storage, cataloguing, and dissemination capability. For full implementation, three
major issues need to be addressed further: conversion; metadata; and file formats.
Practical implications – Most of the issues that have arisen during the McGill pilot project will be
mirrored at other academic institutions that are considering electronic thesis submission.
Originality/value – This paper provides insights into the procedures that will arise as institutions
go through the process of introducing electronic thesis and dissertation submission.
Keywords Electronic document delivery, Theses, Academic libraries, Canada
Paper type Case study
1. Introduction
The acronym ETD stands for electronic theses and dissertations; thus, “an ETD is an
electronic document that explains and presents the research outcome of a graduate
student” (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), 2003).
ETD systems are computerised systems to submit, capture, archive, manage,
distribute, and provide access to electronic theses. The first ETD project was launched
in 1987 at Ann Arbor, Michigan, by University Microfilms International (UMI).
Virginia Tech began to develop technology and procedures for electronic thesis
submission in 1997. Now, Virginia Tech and about 200 other universities participate in
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0033-0337.htm
Electronic thesis
initiative
81
Received 16 July 2006
Revised 31 October 2006
Accepted 2 November 2006
Program: electronic library and
information systems
Vol. 41 No. 1, 2007
pp. 81-91
q Emerald Group Publishing Limited
0033-0337
DOI 10.1108/00330330710724917