Dear Dr Newman
 
I am sure that none of us would expect or want the microfilm service to continue in its present form once the EThOS service has reached critical mass. However, the statement:
  • When a researcher wants access to a paper thesis, the system contacts the institution, digitises the thesis and loads it to the EThOS system. The system then emails the researcher who can immediately download it. Supply times will be greatly improved over the current microfilm service
    • only makes sense when a microfilm copy of the thesis does not already exist. Where there is already a microfilm, it seems perverse to make the end user wait for the awarding institution to send the thesis for digitisation and for the thesis to be scanned. The unsustainable cost of the present microfilm service must in part be the result of re-copying a thesis every time it is loaned. If requests for theses already held on microfilm were routed via the BLDSC, supplied from stock and then the request forwarded to EThOS for the thesis to be digitised from the original, there would be no need to re-copy the microfilm since it would be redundant once the thesis was available via EThOS. This should be no more 'unsustainable' than a standard BLDSC loan. Requests for theses not already microfilmed should go direct to EThOS.
     
    This would make the transition period far easier. Although the service will be popular once it is up and running efficiently, no-one with any experience of working with research scientists will have any doubts that asking them to wait weeks for a thesis to be digitised (and then possibly having to pay for it!) will be acceptable. They will simply be turned off the system before it has had chance to prove itself.
     
    Would BL be prepared to consider this solution for a 6 month trial?
     
    Best wishes,
    Liz
    Liz Allsopp
    Librarian
    Rothamsted Research
    Harpenden,
    Herts AL5 2JQ UK

    Tel: +44 (0)1582 763133 x2657
    Fax: +44 (0)1582 760981
    E-mail: [log in to unmask]
    WWW: http://www.rothamsted.bbsrc.ac.uk/

    Rothamsted Research is a company limited by guarantee,
    registered in England under the registration number 2393175
    and a not for profit charity number 802038.
     
    -----Original Message-----
    From: For interlibrary-loan and document supply services. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Newman, Joanna
    Sent: 16 October 2008 17:07
    To: [log in to unmask]
    Subject: EThOS

     

    Dear Colleagues 

     

    I am writing to address the concerns and questions that have been raised throughout today concerning the Monday 20th October ‘soft launch’ of EThOS. The soft launch is necessary to  start a period of load testing and any inevitable final adjustments that are needed to ensure the system is made ready for the fully operational launch of EThOS on Wednesday 5 November 2008.

     

    If there is any reason why we cannot maintain the system during the soft launch period (from Monday 20 October),  we will reinstate access to the microfilm service. We will be issuing regular communications via various channels (www.ethos.ac.uk; www.ethos.bl.uk and list servs like this) throughout the soft launch testing period to keep you informed of your choices and access to material for your customers.

    As you may be aware the microfilm service cannot be sustained and the offer of the microfilm service if the soft launch needs technical attention is to enable the best possible transition from existing service to EThOS, which we believe will be a far better and more efficient service. 

    We apologise for any confusion and will ensure we continue to keep you updated with progress.  I would also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to the EThOS fact sheet below to remind you of the goals of the service and to clarify exactly what EThOS can deliver.  I believe that this fact sheet addresses some of the concerns and questions raised throughout today.

     Sincerely   

    Dr Joanna Newman

    Head of Strategic Partnerships, Higher Education

    The British Library

     

    EThOS – The Facts

     

    Making UK Theses much easier to obtain

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The implementation of the EThOS system will enable anyone anywhere in the world will be able to search and access UK theses on-line. A user will be able to download them to their desktop from a single point of contact. The number of theses available for immediate free download will rapidly increase as more and more are digitised and, by its very existence, EThOS will encourage further the already rapid move towards electronic submission.

     

    Further information about EThOS can be found at the project website www.ethos.ac.uk published EThOS toolkit is available here http://ethostoolkit.cranfield.ac.uk/