Implementing Persistent Identifier Infrastructure for Effective Management of ETD Repositories: A Case Study from Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) play a crucial role in scholarly communication by providing valuable insights into academic research and contributing to knowledge advancement across various fields. However, the management and accessibility of ETDs pose significant challenges for academic institutions, libraries, and researchers. This study emphasizes the importance of implementing a strong infrastructure for persistent identifiers (PIDs) to ensure the effective management of ETDs. PIDs uniquely and unambiguously identify digital objects, enhancing their long-term discoverability, accessibility, and citability. This research explores the role of PIDs in improving ETD discoverability, ensuring data integrity, and fostering collaboration within the scholarly community. By reviewing existing literature and evaluating various PID systems such as DOI (Digital Object Identifier) and ARK (Archival Resource Key), the study identifies best practices for implementing PID systems tailored to ETD repositories. The results demonstrate that implementing PID infrastructure significantly enhances ETD discoverability and long-term preservation, promotes interdisciplinary research, and streamlines the citation process. Ultimately, the adoption of PIDs supports the broader dissemination of knowledge and fosters a more interconnected academic ecosystem.