From DATAD to ETDs : the Way Forward

The number of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) in Africa is increasing albeit slowly. The majority of initiatives in this arena are in South Africa but there are efforts to get institutions in other countries involved. The participation of eleven institutions in the Database of African Theses and Dissertations (DATAD) initiative has prepared them to embark on more extensive ETD projects. These institutions are now better prepared to share their information resources through improved management and provision of wider access to their collections of theses and dissertations. The institutions have established management teams comprising university decision makers, officers responsible for the administration of postgraduate studies, information technologists and librarians. The paper discusses the DATAD initiative including its objectives, achievements, lessons learnt and the next steps. It also gives thought to ways that UNESCO could contribute to current efforts and initiatives directed towards increased involvement by African institutions in ETD projects.