ADT - Australasian Digital Thesis Program

Background

• Initially funded by Monday October 8, 2007 16:30 Program grant (ARC-RIEF)
• Initiative of 7 Australian Universities - The University of New South Wales [leader]; University of Melbourne; University of Queensland; University of Sydney; Australian National University; Curtin University of Technology; Griffith University - in association with Council of Australian University Librarians (CAUL)
• Model developed during 1998-1999; opening up to all CAUL members in 2000
• Australian model unique as its focus is on a collaborative approach in developing sustainable method for distributed input to form a central metadata database of digitised theses

How does the ADT model work

• Local institution uses ADT software to process theses in digital format. The theses are mounted on the institutions own server/s. The local institution can also integrate access to theses via local infrastructure, eg web catalogue, provide local search interface, etc.
• The ADT software automatically generates DC metadata. This metadata is gathered on a regular basis into a central metadata repository/database. The metadata database is searchable using an Australian developed proprietary search engine, with links provided back to the local institution housing the digitised theses files

ADT model in practice

• Digitising theses and making them available via the web is currently done on a voluntary basis; in essence, depositing a digital copy in addition to the traditional paper version
• The ADT model is scalable, and sustainable as long as participants maintain enthusiasm and dedicate resources to the ideal
• At some time in the future some institutions will inevitably move to full electronic submission only; at some point in the future too, this may lead to a comprehensive database of digitised versions of all Australian research theses

The benefits

• Ready and easy access via the web to information contained in Australian research theses to the worldwide community
• Greater recognition by the international research community
• Greater access to a valuable but underutilised information resource
• The whole Australian research community

Further information

Contact:

Diane Costello
Executive Officer - CAUL
ADT National Coordinator
Email: diane.costello@caul.edu.au
Tel: 02 6125 2990
Fax: 02 6248 8571