Jim et al,

We take in an average of 350 submissions per year (2/3 master's theses, 1/3
doctoral dissertations).  We have some of the numbers Re our ETD program
posted at http://www.wvu.edu/~thesis/presentations&stats.htm  We have
implemented, and continue to survive 2 1/2 years after implementation with
existing staff, and initially, existing hardware / software, both in terms
of document review (me @ the Libraries), as well as technical support
(Academic Computing).  After having reviewed our presentation materials,
please let me know if you have additional questions about our program.
        - jhh

At 02:26 PM 1/23/01 -0500, Jim Beaven wrote:
>John,
>
>On Tue, 23 Jan 2001, John Hagen wrote:
>> At West Virginia University we feel comfortable with our multiple redundant
>> archiving methodology, where we collect the electronic file(s) only.
Not only
>> do we regularly back up (and plan to migrate when necessary) our electronic
>> files, we also send all ETD submissions to Bell & Howell (UMI) for
>> microfilming.  After all, microfilm (silver negative master or positive
copy)
>> has a proven record similar to or exceeding that of acid free paper, and
B&H
>> has been committed to preservation of theses and dissertations since the
>> middle
>> of last century.  Additionally, B&H has a formal arrangement with
Library of
>> Congress, that, should B&H go out of business, LC has complete access and
>> rights to all of the archival microfilm collection.
>
>How many T/Ds does the library at UWV take in a year?  At Special
>Collections we take in 850 (+/-) a year.  Did you do any cost
>projections?   If so how much did you calculate it would
>cost in equipment upgrades, man-hours, and other factors in the
>migration of all the T/Ds?  I would like to see the numbers if
>you have them.
>
>I agree that microfilming is one of the best ways to archive materials
>and improve access. I would think most people would agree that the ability
>to read microfilm will still be around 80 to 100 years from now.  I have
>not come across many university that only microfilm copies of their T/Ds
>and do not have a hard copy.  Microfilm is a back up to the hard copy
>which is very durable.  You are now making microfilm the back up to the
>electronic copy which I doubt will be as durable as the hard copy.
>
>(snipped)
>> the availability of Web resources cited, and even render/include really
>> pertinent Web material within the main document or as supplementary
>> file(s), in addition to using the linked URL within the main document.
>
>Do you know of any T/Ds in your Electronic collection so far that has
>included the Web material within the main document or as supplementary
>file(s)?  If so could you please send me the information so I may download
>it and view how your University is doing that?  Thank you.
>
>
>> You should know that initially, we too thought that dual submission of
paper
>> and electronic was the safe approach, but then we realized the benefits
of the
>> tried and true microfilming technology would work for archiving most of our
>> electronic documents.  Additionally, our master's students benefit from the
>> abstract publishing (previously we only sent our dissertations to UMI).
Our
>> patrons in the academic community have indicated that they prefer the
>> immediacy of having access to the electronic copy on the Web 24/7.  And
>> finally, the  Library has saved a tremendous amount of shelf space and
>> staff time once  devoted to the housing and maintenance of printed TDs.
>
>ETDs are great for access, on the Web 24/7 I agree it is wonderful for
>getting the information out there.  Yes, you have saved on shelf space,
>time and maintenance.  I am just not sure it is wise to give up on the
>hard copy during the Digital Incunabula.
>
>
>> We hope that you will consider our archival model when considering the
>> implementation of your own ETD program.  Should you have any questions
about
>> our program, please feel free to contact me.  We do not have all the
answers,
>> but have confident enough to proceed with ETDs (and encourage others to
do so
>> as well).  I believe too, that this will be among the hot topics for
>> discussion
>> at <http://library.caltech.edu/etd/>ETD Symposium 2001, so be sure to
attend.
>>         - jhh
>>
>
>I hope I will be able to attend.
>
>James Beaven
>Library Assistant V
>Special Collections, Archives, and Thesis Deposit
>Purdue University
>