How to Obtain Non-OSU Dissertations
I. Domestic Dissertations
II. Foreign Dissertations
III. Rush Requests for Domestic Dissertations
IV. Additional Information
I. Domestic Dissertations
Step 1: Check Oscar
(login as"library").
Occasionally the library purchases and catalogs dissertations.
Step 2: Check OhioLINK (login as "library").
Like OSUL, other libraries also purchase and catalog dissertations.
Step 3: Submit an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) "Book Request Form" (the white form), available
at the ILL office.
ILL will attempt to borrow a copy of the dissertation from another library or from the
library of the institution which awarded the degree. The process is usually successful
but generally takes three weeks.
Step 4: Ask the library to purchase a copy for the
collection.
If ILL is unable to borrow a copy of the dissertation, it is possible that the library
may be able to purchase a copy for the collection. Contact a reference librarian or
your department's librarian for more information.
Step 5: Purchase a personal copy of the dissertation.
You always have the option of purchasing the dissertation from University Microforms
International (UMI). There are two ways to purchase a dissertation. First, you can order
directly yourself. The UMI order form is available at the Main Library Reference Desk
(use only for hardback, paperback, or microform orders), or you may call UMI at
1-800-521-3042. Prices are: microfilm/fiche $32.50, regular softcover $36.00,
"RUSH-delivery" softcover $61.00, "BLITZ-delivery" softcover $136, and hardcover
$43.50. Second, you can order a less-expensive looseleaf copy through the ILL office
using the "Dissertation Express" service (same as the rush service
described below).
II. Foreign Dissertations
Step 1: Check Oscar (login as"library").
Occasionally the library purchases and catalogs dissertations.
Step 2: Check OhioLINK (login as"library").
Like OSUL, other libraries also purchase and catalog dissertations.
Step 3: Submit an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) "Book Request Form (the white form), available
at the ILL office.
ILL will attempt to borrow a copy of the dissertation from another
library or from the library of the institution which awarded the degree. The process may
take several weeks or months. However, you may be able to facilitate the processing of
your request. The Center for Research Libraries (CRL) collects many foreign dissertations.
Please consult the list
of institutions from which CRL receives copies of dissertations. If the institution
in question appears on this list, be sure to alert ILL to this fact by attaching a note
to your request form.
Step 4: Ask the library to purchase a copy for the collection.
If ILL is unable to borrow a copy of the dissertation, it is possible that the library
may be able to purchase a copy for the collection. Contact a reference librarian or
your department's librarian for more information.
Step 5: Purchase a personal copy
of the dissertation.
You always have the option of purchasing the dissertation from
the British Library. The "British Library Dissertation and Thesis Order Form" is available
at the ILL office. Prices are: paper $126.00, and microfilm/fiche $72.00.
III. Rush Requests for Domestic Dissertations
It is possible to purchase a loose-leaf copy of a domestic dissertation through the
Interlibrary Loan office using the "Dissertation Express" service."Dissertation Express"
delivers a looseleaf copy in 3-4 working days at the cost of $24.50 (cash, check, or
100W form). To order, submit an ILL "Book Request Form" (the white form), available
at the ILL office, directly to the ILL office along with your payment. The
dissertation then will be available for pickup at the ILL office.
IV. Additional Information
For additional information please contact either Beau Case,
CLA Librarian, or Jennifer Kuehn, ILL Librarian.