The feature that sets this project apart from other ETD systems is a common workflow interface that each member institution will use -- not only for ingestion into the repository, but for the entire lifecycle of electronic theses and dissertations. This system is made possible through the aspect development feature of Manakin, an XML-based customization framework for the DSpace repository.

Named Vireo, this comprehensive system will manage all three stages of the ETD workflow: ingestion, verification, and publication.

The ingestion stage will begin as a graduate student from any Texas Digital Library member institution submits the thesis or dissertation, any supplemental materials, metadata, and copyright authorizations to the common interface.

The verification stage will begin once the complete ETD package is in the system. During this stage, the Thesis Office at the student’s academic institution will ensure that the metadata is complete and accurate, and will undergo the iterative proofing process, sending corrections to the student, who makes the corrections.

Once the ETD is in its final accepted version, the ETD and its metadata will be assigned to the repository for publication, with considerations for embargoes for publication or national security reasons.

This system provides many benefits to the Texas Digital Library and its members. First, this system exposes the academic output of Texas' scholars to the world, providing much wider distribution than the traditional print model. Second, it provides a central point of discovery for the entirety of ETDs produces in the State of Texas. Finally, this system provides a turn-key ETD solution for smaller academic institutions in the state who do not have the financial or human resources to implement a local ETD system on their own.

The Texas Digital Library is committed to making Vireo and any other software developed during this project freely available and open source, which will allow other states, countries, or organizations to implement similar systems.