Qualitative Feedback to the Question: Do you think by adding theses and dissertations to an online database it would improve the accessibility and use of this research?

“…depends on where it is indexed.”

“Some theses never get published and that information is lost to academics.”

“Would improve accessibility, but should be done only after thesis has been accepted by university. What about problem regarding plagiarism?”

“Research for post grad theses is often not published. Adding theses to an online database would make them more accessible for a broader readership.”

“Most theses are never accessed again - not even the titles.”

“In the sciences, most content of theses are also published in journals.”

“Access in real time will be possible.”

“…should be essential.”

“Most definitely!”

“It will eliminate the schlep of having to order through inter-library loan.”

“Theses and dissertations more often than not gather dust on library shelves’; making them available electronically contributes to the body of knowledge.”

“In the case of my MA it would have been essential - I did an analysis of SABC TV news bulletins recorded on video, which could not be submitted with my thesis as only paper hard bound copies are accepted.”

“The interest is more in the publications emanating from the thesis. A thesis does not carry the same weight as does a publication of the same work.”

“…it will be easier to find up to date information which can be searched using keywords.”

“Online publications circumvent the power of 'established' academic publishers.”

“It's good to see how others have done research and you can get some useful pointers.”

“It's the information era and students are familiar with the use of the available internet search engines, thus such online inclusion of theses and dissertations will improve accessibility.”
Colleague from Pretoria University states: “Between Dec 2004 and now we have had 1794262 downloads.”

“Many relevant dissertations or theses are not available in the library and the abstracts are often the only thing that is available. Authors of dissertations are not always contactable or willing to share electronic copies of work.”

“Like electronic journals, theses would be more accessible…the click of a button.”

“I prefer peer-reviewed papers originating from theses and dissertations.”

“Actually is it cumbersome to get access to other universities' theses and dissertations in the traditional way.”

“…must be well catalogued so searches will find relevant information.”

An academic from Pretoria University states: “Our students are currently so electronically fluent; it's unthinkable not to let them have access to this type of information.”