Libraries

Does the CAT list all PSU dissertations and theses?

No. We have lost some over the years and the CAT only lists what we still have in the collection.

If I search by the format, “Masters thesis” will I get all the masters theses owned by the Libraries?

No. Some of our theses and dissertations are only owned in a microformat and our system cannot assign multiple item types to a record, so if the title is only owned in microfilm, the format will say “Micro” and not “Masters thesis”. Also, if we have purchased a thesis from another university, it may have the format of ‘book’ rather than ‘thesis’.

Can I get a list of all the theses or dissertations overseen by a particular advisor?

This isn’t really possible using the CAT since the advisor has only recently been routinely added to the information in the catalog record. You can get this information for dissertations using the Dissertations & Theses database. This information is also available in the printed “Research publications and professional activities”, which was published annually from 1930-1984.

Can I get a list of all the theses and/or dissertations from a particular department?

You can identify titles by searching the CAT by the name of the department or program. Be aware that these names have changed over time so you may have to perform multiple searches. (Also, you will only retrieve a title if the Libraries still owns a copy.)

Are theses and dissertations shelved with the books?

No. Most theses/dissertations are shelved separately and aren’t assigned regular call numbers or subject headings.  

Are all PSU theses and dissertations in the repository?

No. Prior to 2009, students could choose to use the ETD. Following this date, all official theses and dissertations will be placed in the repository. Bachelor and scholar theses are not included (yet).

Are CAT records for ETDs sent to WorldCAT?

Yes.

How long before a record shows up in the CAT for a title in the ETD?

If a title is restricted, it will not appear in the CAT until it is un-restricted. For open titles, it can be six months or more.

Why are some titles restricted?

This typically occurs for intellectual property reasons. For example, the title may contain information related to a patent application. The ETD system generally un-restricts materials after 2 years (authors can request an extension).

If the restricted title is “Penn State use only,” can it be accessed by the public or via InterLibrary Loan?

No. Nor can it be accessed by someone with a Friends of Penn State account.  Nor are these viewable at Visitor’s Stations (formerly LIAS Express machines).

What if a Penn State person cannot access a “Penn State use only” title?

Check to see if another Penn State person can access the file. Have the person log into Angel to see if their Access ID is o.k. If that is working, then check their status in LDAP (the university’s online directory). If their affiliation doesn’t indicate student/staff/faculty then they will not be able to access the ETD. For example, sometimes you will see a status of MEMBER, which can apply to legitimate PSU employees (some part-time employees, visiting scholars, etc.). The affiliation field in LDAP is controlled by HR and/or the Registrar depending on the person’s status.  That person’s Human Resources rep. can correct their LDAP entry.