AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
Office of the Provost
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about
 Theses and Dissertations
2003-2004

Where can I get a copy of the AU Guide to the Preparation of Theses & Dissertations?
Copies are available in the dean’s office of your school/college, as well as at <http://www.american.edu/academics/provost/2/guidelines/index.htm>

Aside from the AU Guide to the Preparation of Theses & Dissertations, are there other formatting guidelines I need to follow?
In addition to the Guide, you need to consult the most recent edition of A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, These, and Dissertations, by Kate L. Turabian.  This is the official University style manual which is available at the university library reference desk and in the campus store.  Some academic units may follow a particular method of citation specific to a discipline; in those cases students should use the authoritative style manual for their field.

Are there workshops where I can learn more about using the EndNote software for formatting the thesis/dissertation?
A list of currently scheduled workshops is always available on the library web site.  Contact 202-885-3238 for specific questions about EndNote and individual appointments.

Research Assistance

How can I obtain reference assistance for researching my thesis/dissertation topic?

E-mail:                                   research@listserv.american.edu

Telephone:                              202-885-3238

In-person:                                Reference Desk, First Floor, University Library 

Office hours:                           202-885-3238 for appointments

Whom can I contact if I have questions about copyrighting my thesis/dissertation?
You can contact University Archives, x3256 in the university library.

Thesis/Dissertation Collection

What does the library do with the thesis/dissertation?
The library arranges for cataloging, microfilming, and binding of the thesis/dissertation, as preparation to adding the thesis/dissertation to the permanent collections of the library.  A catalog record for each thesis/dissertation is added to ALADIN, the online catalog.

How can I see a copy of a thesis/dissertation?
ALADIN, the online catalog, gives an accession number that corresponds to the microfilm copy that is stored in media services of the library.   The microfilm copy is available for public viewing.   The bound copy is stored in University Archives or the WRLC Center for preservation and may be retrieved for onsite consultation.  If the accession number for the dissertation is below 1500, ask for assistance at the reference desk.  As of 2003, an electronic copy (a pdf file) of each thesis and dissertation is available as a free download in the Dissertations Abstracts database when that database is accessed on-campus or off-campus by current AU students, faculty or staff.

How can I identify theses and dissertations from a specific school or college?
In addition to conducting a keyword search in ALADIN, the online catalog, you can consult a small card catalog in the library reference area.  The catalog has an arrangement of theses and dissertations by school/college.

Contacts

Who can I contact in my division/college if I have further questions about completing my thesis/dissertation?

Updated  9/25/03