The Miguel de Cervantes DL's Digital Thesis Program

Abstract

Ph.D. theses are a fundamental pillar for the application and development of knowledge. Generally, Ph.D. theses have a very limited reach. Their printed publication is rarely viable in a massive way. Often, only a partial publication is possible. Unfortunately, many original research projects, to which authors have devoted long working hours, lie unnoticed on the bookshelves of universities worldwide. Moreover, they are not easily accessed by potential scholars and interested researchers. Electronic publishing makes it possible to reach every corner of the world and opens up new research and communication paths. The Miguel de Cervantes Digital Library welcomes both theses written in Spanish and theses dealing with the Spanish culture, coming from any part of the world. About 300 theses have already been published in our research section, from 33 national and international universities. Theses in our research section are accessed through a specific catalogue where selection is possible by author, title or subject. The latter, also selected either by means of the CDU or the UNESCO classification. Alternatively, a quick search window can be used. For every thesis, an author-related data sheet is added (including bibliography, specialization fields, knowledge areas), which also gives access to an optional discussion forum, allowing the constant exchange of ideas among researchers with similar interests. Other useful information such as the number of visitors is also provided. In this article we describe the spirit and objectives of the MCDL’s Theses Program, including copyright and legal issues, and digital preservation.