ABSTRACT
This chapter takes as its premise that reputation is a key factor in the sustainability of open and distance learning (ODL) initiatives at course, programme and institutional level and that demonstrable quality is a necessary condition for a good reputation in the long term. Dedicated ODL institutions that have been established around the world since the 1970s continue to need to promote the quality of their offerings in order to overcome the deep-seated distrust of the general public for education designed to be delivered outside the classroom environment.
