Awareness to Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) with Special Reference to Shodhganga among Research Scholars in University of Allahabad

A Case Study

Abstract

Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) are primary sources of information produced in the college and university departments world-wide and require reach among academics and researchers. Shodhganga in India and some other ETDs in several countries which are part of Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) are availing open access to theses and dissertations to the researcher community. Submission of theses is mandatory to the universities in India to enhance its reach. ETDs are authentic sources of information; however, several studies show low or moderate awareness about ETDs among users in higher education institutions (Tella et al., 2016; Evans & Mersham, 2006; Sinha & Purkayastha, 2018). User perspectives are essential to serve them efficiently and effectively; therefore need arises to know the same for the Shodhganga and other ETDs. Main objectives of this study are to know about awareness, impact and usability of the same along with benefits and problems imparted while using it. A descriptive type of study with survey technique of data collection with 95% confidence level has been used. The survey is based on a questionnaire which was distributed by in hand and online to the respondents. Research scholars in the University of Allahabad constitute population of this study. It was found that ETDs are moderately useful to the research scholars. Awareness towards the Shodhganga is very high; it is less in the case of other ETDs. It is suggested to the librarian community from the colleges, universities and research centers to avail links of the Shodhganga and other ETDs on its websites and instruct the users as per needs.