Hello all -

From anecdotal information, I was under the impression that the impact
of theses has increased overtime particularly with increased access &
availability of ETDs.

However,  I stumbled upon a bibliometric study that reported the
following paradox: while theses are becoming increasingly accessible
to scholars in the form of ETDs, the overall impact of theses has
declined over time. (See Lariviere, V et al. (2008). "The declining
scientific impact of theses: Implications for electronic theses and
dissertation repositories and graduate studies"  Scientometrics,
74(1): 109-121.)

Are there any studies that support the contrary?

Thanks,
Marisa

Marisa Ramirez
Digital Repository Librarian
California Polytechnic State University
Phone: 805.756.7040
[log in to unmask]