Purpose – This paper’s aim it to analyze added value that the theses e-submission system (tool) gave to the NTUA IR service. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the e-submission tool, its procedures and evaluates its use. Findings – The tool improved the IR service, which can be certified by the continuing evaluation process. This process produced the following main results: the automated batch importing feature should be integrated into the e-submission system; IR service tutorials should be given to the secretariats, faculty and students; and in-house service marketing should be conducted. Research limitations/implications – The present study provides a starting-point for further research in DL open source software. Originality/value – The paper shows that the tool helped NTUA users in submitting their e-theses, and the IR staff in organizing efficiently the service workflow and the data integration into the DSpace system. The process weaknesses rectifications will enhanse the service and allow its broadness to all NTUA departments. This tool implementation may start a debate to the DSpace community in using proxies between DSpace platform and the end user, as an alternative.