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How do I find dissertations and theses?

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University of Chicago Dissertations and Theses

The University of Chicago relies on the ProQuest dissertation database for dissertations completed after June 2009. The Library holds a paper copy of most University of Chicago doctoral dissertations deposited before Summer 2009, as well as many early masters' theses, and those with current University of Chicago Library borrowing privileges may borrow them.  Records for these items appear in the Library Catalog.

Dissertations and Theses from Other Institutions

If the Library holds a paper copy of a dissertation or thesis from another institution, a record will appear in the Library Catalog.

The full text of dissertations from the U.S. and Canada may be available in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.  Dissertations from other countries may be available from the Center for Research Libraries.

If you have current borrowing privileges at the University of Chicago Library, you may place an interlibrary loan request to borrow dissertations that are not available through the Library.

Information for Users Not Affiliated with the University of Chicago

If you are not affiliated with the University of Chicago, check with your local library to determine what databases and borrowing options are available to you.  Many college and university libraries subscribe to ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Full Text.  If you have access, connect to the dissertation database from your library's website and then go to the Advanced Search page. You can search for University of Chicago dissertations by entering 0330 in the School name/code--SCH field.  You might also search WorldCat to see if the dissertation you need is held by a nearby library.

The University of Chicago Library will lend most University of Chicago dissertations and theses deposited before Summer 2009.  See the Library's Interlibrary Loan lending policies to learn more about borrowing material.

Copies of most University of Chicago dissertations and some early theses may be purchased through ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. Call 1-800.521.3042 or order a dissertation online.

If ProQuest does not have a copy of one of our doctoral dissertations, please contact the University of Chicago Dissertation Office.