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Searching for Theses & Dissertations

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Searching for Theses or Dissertations from UML

  1. Search the UMass Lowell Theses/Dissertation Database for Theses and Dissertations from 1949 to present.
    You may search by:
  • Academic Department
  • Author's Name
  • Keyword in Title
  • Date
  • Degree: to search, use:
  • M for Master's: Master's Degrees are offered in many fields
  • D for Doctorate: In Engineering and Education.
  • PhD: In Chemistry, Physics, Polymer Science, Radiological Science, Nursing
  • Or any combination of the above
  1. Search Proquest Digital Dissertations for Dissertations from 1981 to present.
    You may search by:
    • School Name (lowell) to get only UMass Lowell Dissertations
    • Author's Name (shuldman)
    • Advisor's Name (gower)
    • Keyword in Title (polymer)
    • Degree Date (dd=1990 or dd>1989)
    • Or any combination of the above polymer (ti) and lowell (sn)
  2. Search the UMass Lowell Public Access Catalog (PAC) for Dissertations from 1990 to present.

Getting a UMass Lowell Thesis or Dissertation

  1. To get a free electronic version of UML dissertations from 1997 to date, go to ProQuest Digital Dissertations.
  2. To search all theses and dissertations from UML, go to Current Research at University of Massachusetts Lowell.
  3. To get a paper copy:
    • Search the UMass Lowell Theses/Dissertation Database.  Make sure that a paper copy is available.
    • Go to the Circulation Desk of Lydon Library, UML North, and request a Storage Retrieval Form.
    • Fill out the form, including the call number and the year.
    • The item will be retrieved from storage within 24 hours.
    • The paper copy must be used in the library.
  4. To get a microfilm copy:
    • Search the UMass Lowell Theses/Dissertation Database. Make sure that a microfilm copy is available.
    • Get the call number for the item.
    • Go to the 2nd floor of Lydon Library, UML North. Masters and Doctoral items are kept in separate cabinets.
    • Look by Department (Chemistry, Education, etc.) and then by year and call number within the Department.
    • Use the readers / printers to make a print copy.

Searching for Theses or Dissertations from other institutions

  • Search ProQuest Digital Dissertations for any item from 1981-present.  An order number will be included in the record. For dissertations from 1997-, you may be allowed to retrieve the first 24 pages free.
  • Search WorldCat via FirstSearch to locate older items.

    Getting Theses or Dissertations from other institutions

    1. Fill out an InterLibrary Loan Request Form (Book Form) for each item.  Please include the ProQuest Digital Dissertation order number in the ILL request.
      • Items found in WorldCat can sometimes be borrowed, but only if UMI does not have a copy.
    2. Order the Thesis / Dissertation from University Microfilms, Inc. You may choose microfilm or paper copy.
      • The Library subsidizes the purchase of Theses/Dissertations from UMI for:
        • Graduate Students - Three (3) Theses/Dissertations during their student years at no charge.
          Additional items can be purchased for $36.00 each through the InterLibrary Loan Department.
        • Faculty Members - Three (3) free Theses/Dissertations per year through the InterLibrary Loan Department.

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    • O' Leary Library - 61 Wilder, Lowell, MA 01854 | Phone: 978-934-4550
    Lydon Library - 84 University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854 | Phone: 978-934-3205
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