Theses and Dissertations at University of Maryland Libraries

The following are a few different ways that you can search within our library catalog, UMD Discover, for print theses and dissertations held by UMD University Archives.

1. Search by author:
   • If you know the author's name, search for it and then use the 'Shelving Location' filter at the left to select 'UMCP Severn Library - University Archives - Theses & Dissertations.' This will filter the results down to the theses & dissertations in our holdings. 
   • If you're still having trouble, try searching with the author's last name only, since first names can vary with abbreviations, initials, punctuation, etc. 
2. Search by relevant keywords:
   • Do a keyword search to find relevant items. In Advanced Search, enter pertinent terms in the search filters for 'any field' or 'title' and then, once you get results, use the 'Shelving Location' filter at the left to select 'UMCP Severn Library - University Archives - Theses & Dissertations.' This will filter the results down to the theses & dissertations in our holdings. 
3. Search by department (for post-1991 works only):
   • Using the department names as listed on the Authority List, enter the department name in Advanced Search using the search filter for 'any field' and then, once you get results, use the 'Shelving Location' filter at the left to select 'UMCP Severn Library - University Archives - Theses & Dissertations.' This will filter the results down to the theses & dissertations in our holdings. 
4. Search by call number:
   • All masters theses receive the call number: LD3231.M70m [plus last name and initials of author]
   • All dissertations receive the call number: LD3231.M70d [plus last name and initials of author]
   • Starting in the year 2000, the year the degree was granted was added to the base call number.

Please note: University Archives does not have copies of theses or dissertations available until they appear in the library catalog.

If a print copy of a UMD thesis or dissertation is held in Severn Library, if it is not embargoed, and if it is not available in DRUM, a scanned copy may be requested.

• Request a copy through a UMD Special Collections account:
  1. Create an account. 
  2. In the catalog entry for the thesis/dissertation, select 'Request from Special Collections.'
  3. An autogenerated request form will pop up. Select the red button that says 'Request Duplication.'
  4. A duplication form will generate. Fill out the required fields and submit the request. The request will then be directed to our offsite location where theses/dissertations are housed. When the request is fulfilled, you will receive a digital file to download.

• Request a copy through Interlibrary Loan (ILL):
  1. If you are a UMD student, faculty, or staff member, you can place a request using your Interlibrary Loan (ILL) Services account. ILL services are free of charge. Use the Scan & Deliver request form within your ILL Services Account or, in the catalog entry for the thesis/dissertation, select 'Request a Scan.' Click here to see if you are eligible for Scan & Deliver service.
  2. If you are affiliated with another academic institution or library with ILL services, place your request through your library’s ILL. 

If you wish to order a copy of a thesis or dissertation, you can also do so through ProQuest. More than 1 million dissertations and theses are available for purchase bound, unbound, on microfilm, or as a PDF.