The ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (PQDT) database includes electronic full text copies of most dissertations and some master's theses published in the U.S. and Canada since 1997. If you have come across a citation for a dissertation or thesis that you would like to read, there is a good chance that ProQuest has a digital copy.
If you have citation information for an item and PQDT does not contain an electronic full text copy of the dissertation or thesis you need, try the following steps:
- Search for the dissertation's title in LINK+ to see if a copy is available for you to borrow, free of charge.
- Fill out the Interlibrary Loan request form with the dissertation's publication information. The APU Libraries will attempt to get a copy of the dissertation from another library (sometimes the dissertation author's alma mater will have a copy available to borrow). The interlibrary loan service is free, but can take up to 10 days--assuming the library is even able to find a lendable copy of the dissertation.
- If steps 1 and 2 do not work, or if you would like a copy that you can keep, you can purchase dissertations through the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database. Search for the dissertation by title, then click "Order a copy." As of spring 2010, prices start at $44 for an unbound photocopy of a dissertation.
- If you are looking for a thesis/dissertation on a theological topic, you might also be able to buy a copy through the TREN (Theological Research Exchange Network) web site. Copies are available in a variety of formats, including microfiche, CD-ROM, unbound paper, and digital download. Prices vary, but average around $15-20 for CD-ROM and digital formats, and $20-40 for unbound paper copies.
