An ETD (Electronic Thesis or Dissertation) is a digital document suitable for machine archives and worldwide access. It may incorporate such features as enhanced graphics, sound, and animation. In addition, ETDs enable users to perform comprehensive searches using words, phrases, or symbols.

The Benefits of ETDs

Theses and dissertations provide tangible evidence of the scholarly development of students and their ability to effectively communicate research findings. ETDs enable graduate students to effectively and creatively present their research. Some of the specific benefits of the electronic submission and archiving of theses and dissertations include:

• Availability
  Research presented in theses or dissertations is accessible to scholars all over the world via the World Wide Web. Potential employers may also more easily view these documents.
• Multimedia Integration
  The message of a thesis or dissertation may be better conveyed in an electronic document as opposed to a paper document. Creative possibilities are expanded by integrating color diagrams, color images, hypertext links, audio, video, animation, spreadsheets, databases, simulations, etc. into the document.
• Digital Research Skills
  By preparing a thesis or dissertation and submitting it electronically, one can learn about electronic document preparation and digital libraries. These skills can help prepare for future roles in the information age, whether in teaching, conducting research, or using the research results of others.
• Improves Library Service
  Electronic submissions allow the University to fulfill its responsibilities of recording and archiving theses and dissertations more economically. This is a key responsibility of the University library and is easier and less costly when the work flow involves electronic documents. ETDs reduce the need for library storage space and advance digital library technology, thus, improving library services.