Policies and Practices for Sustainable Preservation of Theses and Dissertations in Institutional Repositories

Résumé En

Over the past two decades, higher education institutions (HEIs) have increasingly embraced digital formats for their theses and dissertations (TDs), aiming to improve their accessibility, dissemination, and impact. As a result, millions of TDs are available online through institutional repositories (IRs). As the shift towards digital repositories gains momentum, the enduring accessibility and secure archiving of university TDs within IRs necessitate robust policies and practices for digital preservation. This study will analyze the current global landscape of digital preservation policies and practices within the context of TDs, identify areas for improvement and potential gaps, and provide insights to enhance preservation strategies for these scholarly works in IRs. Focusing on a random sample of diverse IRs, this study utilizes content analysis to extract tacit knowledge from the written policies of HEIs around the world. The study will delve into the nuances of these policies, examining the extent to which they cover the preservation aspects of TDs, the specific measures outlined, and how they address relevant challenges. By conducting this analysis, the study seeks to provide insights for IRs managers, librarians, and stakeholders involved in the maintenance of IRs. The findings will contribute to enhancing the longevity and accessibility of HEIs' scholarly output.