How to Find Dissertations ... the "visual"

#1.
Your FIRST search should be a quick check of the Western Libraries Catalogue to see whether there is a paper copy of the desired thesis/dissertation. If not, then proceed:

#2.
Go to the Western Libraries homepage;
CHOOSE Databases by Title from the drop-down menu on our homepage:

#3.
CLICK on the letter "D":

#4.
SCROLL DOWN to DISSERTATION ABSTRACTS ONLINE:

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#5.
ProQuest Digital Dissertations…
a search for MANGSEN as an AUTHOR

(caveat – often AUTHORS are NOT included in a KEYWORD index…depends on WHO has done the indexing…best to be safe, and specify AUTHOR):

#6.
RESULTS of AUTHOR search for MANGSEN; there is "full-text" available via a PDF!

#7.
RESULTS of AUTHOR SEARCH for SEMMENS…

Again, while Dr. Semmens' PhD dissertation is available in PDF (full-text), his Masters thesis predates the cut-off for full-text PDF. You may read the abstract…OR order/purchase your own copy – please bear in mind that the quoted prices are $US.

#8.
NOT INTERESTED IN PURCHASING A COPY ?? Remember that it may be possible to BORROW a thesis/dissertation via RACER - our Inter-Library Loan service.  Only you can decide about the urgency of your request - and how long you are willing to wait to consult a particular title.

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Do you require access to dissertations FROM HOME?

Again, BEGIN at the Western Libraries homepage, and AUTHENTICATE yourself by inputting your Western username + password in The "Off-Campus Access" boxes:

#9. 
SEARCH – as long as the "2048" is visible in the top address-box, you're "good to go"; should you "fall off" of EZ-PROXY, then simply return to the homepage and re-authenticate.

#10.
Once your access has been authenticated, you will be 'returned' to the Western Libraries homepage; the instructions given at the top of this page will then guide you through the process of finding dissertations.

Done!

2010.05/LRP