Obtaining Dissertations

Dissertations by OSU Students

Dissertations completed by OSU students are available in the OSU library. These are cataloged in the library's online catalog and can be searched by author, title, or subject similarly to books in the catalog.

The library keeps two copies of each dissertation. One copy circulates; the second (archival) copy is housed elsewhere and is not available for patron use. If the circulating copy is checked out, the patron may wish to issue a recall notice. This may be done at the Circulation desk.

Non-OSU Dissertations

If a dissertation was completed at another University, it is very likely that the library at that University has one or more copies. SOME University libraries will loan their dissertations via interlibrary loan (ILL). This may be the most affordable method to gain access to a dissertation from another University. Instructions for borrowing materials via interlibrary loan can be found on the ILL website.

You might wish to purchase your own copy of a dissertation completed by a non-OSU student due to the following:

  • Some University Libraries will not loan dissertations via interlibrary loan.
  • The loan period allowed by the lending University Library may be too short for your research needs.
  • The lending Library may stipulate that the dissertation it loans must be used IN the Valley Library, which poses a barrier for distance learners in particular who would then need to travel to Corvallis during the time the dissertation is here for their use.

How to purchase your own copy...

Proquest/ UMI Dissertation Hotline and Web Site

The Proquest/UMI company provides a website for direct order of theses and dissertations
To order materials on your own, link to either:


Dissertation Express, where you can order unbound, shrink-wrapped print copies of dissertations (choose "Connect to Dissertation Express as an individual")

OR

ProQuest Digital Dissertations where digital copies of recently published dissertations can be ordered. Older dissertations are being added to the digital dissertation program--check available dates when searching.

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