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

A Case Study

Authors

  • Dr Prabhat Ranjan Librarian, Jagat Taran Girls Degree College, Prayagraj - 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India
  • Dr Bhupendra Kumar Singh University Librarian, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj – 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India

Keywords:

ETD, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations, Electronic Resources, Shodhganga, Open Access Resources, Theses and Dissertations

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.

Author Biographies

Dr Prabhat Ranjan, Librarian, Jagat Taran Girls Degree College, Prayagraj - 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India

Dr. Prabhat Ranjan is presently working as a college librarian in University of Allahabad (India). He also served Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Pune as a librarian and Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki (Uttar Pradesh), India as a deputy librarian. He has obtained his post graduate degree in Library and Information Science from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi. He completed his Ph.D. in the same discipline from Savitribai Phule Pune University (formerly known as University of Pune), Pune. He has thirty publications as research papers and book chapters. He is actively engaged in research on several interdisciplinary topics including information seeking behavior and information society. He is also keen on environmental studies and social sciences.

Dr Bhupendra Kumar Singh, University Librarian, University of Allahabad, Prayagraj – 211002, Uttar Pradesh, India

Dr. Bhupendra Kumar Singh is working as a university librarian in University of Allahabad (India) since 2016. Earlier he served as an assistant librarian in V. M. Open University, Kota and deputy librarian in University of Allahabad. He has obtained his academic qualifications i.e.  B.A., M.A. and professional qualifications of B.L.I.Sc., M.L.I.Sc. and Ph.D. in Library and Information Science from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), India. He has more than sixty (60) articles and research papers published in national and international journals. Four books are in his credit. His area of specialization is library management and use of latest tools and techniques in library services. He has delivered many lectures on various topics including research methods, referencing, intellectual property rights in several educational institutions. He is University Coordinator of National Digital Library of India (NDLI) and Shodhganga Project of University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi.

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Published

2023-12-31

How to Cite

Ranjan, P., & Singh, B. K. (2023). Awareness to Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETD) with Special Reference to Shodhganga among Research Scholars in University of Allahabad: A Case Study. Library Waves, 9(2), 94–103. Retrieved from https://librarywaves.com/index.php/lw/article/view/169