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Locating Dissertations and Theses

Learn how to find dissertations and theses when using Library OneSearch.

Dissertations and Theses

Locating Dissertations and Theses

To search for theses and dissertations, use the following resources:

For Oakland University theses and dissertations, use the advanced search in Library OneSearch (red box).

Screenshot of advanced search with advanced search option highlighted in red.

Navigate to the "Collection" section of the search page, and select "Theses and Dissertations" from the drop-down menu. This will redirect your search to items within the catalog that meet that search criteria.

Screenshot of advanced search with search field and material type dropdown menu highlighted.
 

Or, if you're actively searching in Library OneSearch and would like to restrict your search results to theses and dissertations only, select the "Dissertations/Theses" option under Source Types (red box). This will refine your search results to only items that are categorized as dissertations/theses (see below).

screenshot of Library OneSearch page, with relevant sections/limiters highlighted in red.

Searching in the library catalog will help you find both print and electronic copies of dissertations. You can also try the Dissertations and Theses at OU database to locate only electronic copies of OU students' dissertations.
For dissertations outside of Oakland University, use the Dissertations and Theses database, which provides full-text dissertations online.

If you can't locate the text of a dissertation, try these steps:

  • Ask the liaison librarian for the discipline for help.
  • Request a copy of non-OU dissertations through Interlibrary Loan.
  • Search the internet for the dissertation title -- some dissertations are placed in their university's online repository and are available online to the public.
  • Contact the author of the dissertation -- many may be willing to share their work with you.
  • Order a print or electronic copy of the dissertation through Dissertation Express (approximate cost: $37 to $75).
    • Note: Dissertation Express service is currently unavailable.

Additional resources: