Qualitative Feedback to the Question: Do you think that there would be cost benefits in publishing and storing electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) compared to paper bound theses and dissertations (TDs)?

Several comments offered by the respondents of this study to Q29:

“It means I have to print and bind these lengthy documents if I wish to read cover to cover or have a copy. Prefer to order from publisher.”

“Printing could be more costly than obtaining paper bound copy - cannot read whole dissertation off the screen.”

“It will economise on space and time.”

“Much cheaper.”

University of Limpopo colleague states:” According to current practice, the institution would still have to publish the work on paper.”

“I speak as a Librarian. As a pro, libraries will have less storage space needs. As a con, students will have greater printing needs.”

“The best theses (hard copy) get stolen from the Library - e-theses could not be pinched .”

“…libraries are getting full - new communication medium necessary.”

“The man hours going into paper and electronic production is essentially the same.”

“Obtaining hard copy from say overseas (via inter library loan facility), for instance, is costly and obviously takes time to arrive.”

“From a storage and space usage perspective and a saving on delivery costs between users and institutions.”

“Printing a dissertation of 200+ pages for 5 or more examiners could be costly!”

Colleague from Rhodes University points out: “ETDs require more staff time”

“If it is available electronically no library transfer costs are applicable (these can be very expensive). This makes it easier to access for students who may not have the funding to be able to transfer content relevant to their research.”
“Electronic theses should not substitute provision of hard copies in libraries.”

A postgraduate student states: “…only if the institute purchases the software e.g. PDF creator so there is no additional cost for me.”

“People find it difficult to read from the console hence paperwork will be required that costs money.”

“It would depend on where it is going to be stored and published and the costs involved there.”