Dissertations and Theses

Finding Dissertations and Theses by American University Students

Finding Dissertations and Theses by Students from Other Schools

Filing your Dissertation or Thesis at American University Library

Finding Dissertations and Theses by American University Students

Where are they located?

• From 1997 on, AU theses and dissertations are available through Proquest (off-campus access restricted to current AU students, staff and faculty)
• Almost all AU theses and dissertations are available on microfilm or microfiche at Periodicals. You must request the thesis or dissertation by thesis number.
• If there is no microform copy, often a duplicate print copy is located on the 3rd floor.

How do I get the thesis number?

• All AU theses and dissertations are listed in the WRLC Libraries Catalog.
  • For a particular thesis, search by title or author.
  • To search by topic:
    • Search by keyword
    • in the search box, type your search string and add the following phrase:
    • AND thesis AND "american university

Can I use the Archival copy?

• It is expected that researchers will use either the online, microform or duplicate print copies of the dissertations and theses.
• If a researcher needs to use the archival copy for unusual reasons, such as the researcher has a disability that makes use of microform impossible, permission must be requested from the University Archivist (202-885-3255). Those wishing to make such a request must pick up a request form from the Reference Desk and turn it in to Reference. It will be sent to the Archivist who will inform the researcher if their request has been granted.
• Once the request is granted, it takes 72 hours to retrieve the materials from an off-site storage facility. They can then be used on-site in the Archives reading room, Monday-Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

What about finding a Masters thesis project?

• SOC, Art and Performing Arts sometimes require a thesis-like project that is not actually a thesis.
• Thesis projects are not collected by the library.
• The individual departments maintain the collections of their thesis projects.

I am from another institution. Can I borrow your theses and dissertations through Interlibrary Loan?

• We lend microform copies only.
• Please see the instructions on borrowing through interlibrary loan.

Help!!! I'm still confused.

• You can get Help in person from the Reference Desk.
• You can call the Reference Desk at (202) 885-3238.
• You can email the Electronic Reference Desk
• You can IM us (Screen Name AskAULibrary on AIM)

Finding Dissertations and Theses Written by Students at Other Schools

How do I find dissertations written on a particular topic?

• Use Dissertations and Theses.
• If you need Help with the search, contact the Reference Desk.
  • (202) 885-3238
  • Email the Electronic Reference Desk
  • IM us (Screen Name AskAULibrary on AIM)

I found one I want, how do I get it?

This depends on your answer to a number of questions:

• Do you need it quickly?
  • YES!!!
    • Your best bet is to go to the Library of Congress and use their copy.
  • No
    • Interlibrary Loan may be able to borrow a copy for you.
• Do you want your own copy?
  • YES!!!
    • Talk to Interlibrary Loan about ordering a copy. You save money by buying it through our Interlibrary Loan Department. You must come to the Interlibrary Loan window and be prepared to write a check.
  • No
    • See if Interlibrary Loan can borrow a copy for you.
    • Go to Library of Congress and use their copy.
    • Visit the library of the school that the author attended and use the archival copy.

  Help!!! I'm still confused.

• You can call Interlibrary Loan at (202) 885-3282

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• All AU dissertations and theses must be filed with University Archives Monday through Friday, 9-5.
• All dissertations must conform to standard formatting guidelines. Please consult the Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations.
• Checklist for AU Thesis/Dissertation Completion

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