PhD. Dissertations & Master's Theses Collection Guidelines
University of the West Library collects copies of all Doctoral dissertations & Masters' theses completed by University of the West graduate students. The library binds and catalogs dissertations for inclusion in our collection. In addition there is an option to submit an electronic copy to the nationwide Proquest/UMI dissertation publisher. Submission of dissertations to ProQuest/UMI is part of the dissertation process of most American universities.Students are urged to consult with their advisors well in advance of final dissertation/thesis preparation about any departmental need to receive a separate copy for departmental retention.
Required Collection Check List
1) Submit two identical loose-leaf copies to the library, one for circulating and interlibrary loan purposes and one for archival purposes.
• Use 8 1/2 inch, acid-free, 20-24 lb., white, at least 25% cotton and paper. Examples of acceptable paper brands: Crane's Thesis Paper, Permalife, Perma-Dur, Hollinger Acid-Free. Do not punch holes in the margin.
• Submit at least one of the copies (the archival copy, which constitutes the official copy of the thesis) with the original signatures of all theses committee faculty members.
• Submit copies in a covered box in order to reduce the possibility of damage or loss. (Boxes of this kind can be obtained easily from copy shops such as Kinko's.)
• Examine your dissertation/thesis copies carefully before submitting them to the library for binding and cataloging. The library cannot inspect each dissertation/thesis individually. Theses will be bound exactly as they are received by the library.
• The library will be happy to bind additional copies for the student's personal collection at his/her own cost. When the student's bound copies are returned from the bindery, we will inform the student of their arrival by phone and/or mail and request prompt pickup up at the library. The total cost of binding may be submitted in one check.
• Experience suggests that students may also wish to obtain original signatures on their personal copies, as this practice enhances their "sentimental" value over the years.
2) Also include a CD with the *.docs or *.pdf files of your work for electronic archival on the library website.
Please submit your materials along with this form:
UWest Dissertation/Thesis Binding Application Form.
Proquest/UMI Publishing (Optional):
Upon our acceptance to WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), we are publishing dissertations through the Proquest UMI service. The Proquest UMI service enables people to find and obtain access to doctoral dissertations published through their service by placing abstracts and citation in major online indices. You will be enriching the subject of your dissertation by participating in this program.
There are four publishing options available; details are available in the agreement packet. Please note the basic price for publishing a Ph.D. dissertation is $55. Additional options to publish in Open Access (additional $95), order extra prints (varies), or register for copyright (additional $65) requires additional fees. As of Jan 2008, University of the West does not have restrictions on the publishing options. You may choose the option that best suits your personal publishing goals.
You may download and print the agreement application here:
Please read the Proquest UMI agreement packet for document specifications and details on this publication service. Deviations from the specifications required will delay the publication process.
Upon receiving your completed agreement form and the required materials, we will review the application for completeness before sending your packet to UMI. It may take upwards of 16 weeks for the publication of you dissertation.