Department of Special Collections and Archives

Kent State University Theses and Dissertations: FAQ

1) Where can I find a KSU thesis, dissertation, or Honors College thesis?

There should be a circulating copy of each thesis or dissertation in the main library stacks. There is also one archival copy of each in Special Collections and Archives. This archival copy does not circulate and must be used in the Special Collections and Archives reading room (Library Rm 1212). You should check to see if there is a circulating copy available before coming to Special Collections and Archives.

Please note that theses and dissertations are shelved by the author's name in Special Collections and Archives, so make a note of the author's name if you plan on using the copy held in Special Collections.

Sometimes there is also a microform copy of the thesis or dissertation which can be requested in KentLINK . Click on the "Request Item" button and fill in the request form. Requests may also be made from the Periodical Services desk on the 2nd floor of the library.

2) What is the best way to search for KSU theses or dissertations in KentLINK?

If you know the author or title of the thesis or dissertation you need, simply perform a KentLINK author or title search to find its location. See our Hints for Searching KentLINK for Theses and Dissertations page for more detailed information searching for KSU theses and dissertations.

3) I am a Kent State student, faculty member, or staff member. How can I obtain a photocopy of a KSU thesis, dissertation, or Honors College thesis?

If there is no circulating copy of a KSU thesis or dissertation in the main library stacks, you may request a photocopy from Special Collections and Archives. Copy requests are subject to staff availability and may not be filled on the day the request is made.

4) I am not affiliated with Kent State University. How can I obtain a photocopy of a KSU thesis, dissertation, or Honors College thesis?

Except under rare circumstances, Special Collections and Archives will not provide a photocopy of a KSU thesis or dissertation to offsite users who are not affiliated with Kent State University. Contact your local library's interlibrary loan department for assistance in requesting a thesis or dissertation.

5) What about electronic theses and dissertations?

Some KSU theses and dissertations are now published electronically. You may access these as well as those of additional OhioLINK institutions at the OhioLINK Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Center .

6) Where can I find a School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) research paper?

A copy of each SLIS research paper is kept on file in Special Collections and Archives. You must know the name of the author before requesting a paper as they are filed by name. You can search for papers by using the SLIS research paper database. This database is not maintained by Special Collections and Archives. Contact SLIS with questions about the database.

7) How can I find a NON-KSU dissertation or thesis?

Please see Interlibrary Loan's FAQ page for information on obtaining theses and dissertations from other institutions.