Doctoral Dissertations

Dissertation Abstracts Ondisc

Doctoral dissertations and masters theses offer another potential source of information, because of the depth of research usually needed for their completion. Both types of research papers are generally available to researchers at other universities, but do present a problem that is not present with books. The original print copy is ordinarily available only from the academic institution where it was completed, using Global Express. A microfilm or paper copy may usually b e purchased from University Microfilms; order forms are available in the Reference Center.

The primary method of finding out what dissertations and theses have been completed on your subject is to use Dissertation Abstracts Ondisc, available on CD-ROM in the Reference Center. This valuable source provides coverage back to 1861, wit h abstracts for projects completed since 1981. The Reference Center also has the print version of Dissertation Abstracts International.

Dissertations and theses completed at USC are listed in Homer, the card catalog (until 1988), and a Thesis Catalog located in the Reference Center. Use one of these sources to learn the call number, and obtain the actual thesis or dissertation through the Circulation Desk of Doheny Library. It is also possible to limit your search on Dissertation Abstracts Ondisc to USC and the subject you are interested in; however, this will not give you the call number.