Role of ETD Repository in the University Libraries of Assam

Abstract

One of the most crucial sources and custodians of knowledge and information have been assigned to theses and dissertations. They are the result of long-time engagement in research and hence are of significant authority. Earlier, theses and dissertations found less publication and visibility and hence remained out of reach for researchers of the next generation. Again, given the lack of preservation of the theses and dissertations in most cases it has been observed that such research found duplication without due mention of the original author. In response to this pressing issue, the UGC took a substantial initiative by releasing a notification on May 5, 2016, under the 'Minimum Standards & Procedure for Award of MPhil. /PhD Degree, Regulation, 2016,' which made it mandatory for researchers to electronically submit their theses and dissertations to their respective universities. These submissions are subsequently archived in an ETD repository, recognized in India as Shodhganga. Shodhganga the National Digital Repository of India enables the electronic archival of theses and dissertations for the quick availability among the research community and also prevents plagiarism by electronically detecting duplication through the anti-plagiarism software.