Q. How can I get a copy of a dissertation that I need for my research?

Try to find the dissertation online:

First, check the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses database to see if it is available in full text. Dissertations from 1997 to present are available in full text from ProQuest. In addition, most Dartmouth dissertations from 1993 to the present will be available online in ProQuest.  You may find some pre-1997 dissertations in ProQuest as well.

Dissertations may also be available at no cost from the issuing institution's website. In addition to checking their web site, try using search tools such as Google Scholar or the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.

If you still haven't found the dissertation, try checking ROAR to see if the university where the dissertation was written has a digital repository. If it does, try searching the repository for the thesis or dissertation.

Find out if the dissertation was published:

Some dissertations are subsequently published by academic presses. A quick way to find out is by searching for the author in WorldCat. Remember, the title of the published book may be different than the dissertation.

Requesting Dissertations:

If the dissertation was submitted to one of the Ivies, try requesting it through Borrow Direct.

Foreign dissertations are often available at the Center for Research Libraries. If you find the dissertation you need in the CRL Dissertation Catalog, you can request it through Interlibrary Loan.

All other requests for dissertations should be made through Interlibrary Loan.

• The Library will first try to borrow the dissertation directly from the holding institution.
• If it is unavailable for loan, the Library will try to purchase an electronic copy from a commercial supplier, such as ProQuest.
• The average cost for a dissertation is $32.  Any costs exceeding $35 will be chargeable to you, provided that you agree to move forward with the purchase and pay the additional charges.

See also the Library's Research Guide for Dissertations & Theses.