Introduction

This document describes in detail BDEARS Policy on Works that can be submitted to and stored in the BDEARS, the criteria for eligibility to deposit material along with the policy on long term preservation of material and quality control. The policy document also highlights the selection, retention and withdrawal procedures relating to research material held in BDEARS.

BDEARS is an initiative of the University Library. It contributes to the commitment of the University to support research activities. It provides an open access platform to capture, store, index, and distribute globally a wide range of research outputs, including undergraduate, masters and doctoral theses, produced by the university’s academic staff, researchers, staff in the administrative units, graduate and undergraduate students. The aim of BDEARS is to promote the University’s research profile by exposing Busitema’s research outputs online. This will assist in increasing citation rates and the impact of Busitema research and innovations.

BDEARS is a complement to traditional research publishing channels, not a replacement. It provides University researchers and graduate students with secure, stable and long-term storage of their Works in a centralized location.