Dissertations and Theses at KU and more: Home

The first thesis/dissertation in the Libraries' collection is dated 1883.   KU Libraries maintained two physical copies, retaining one for archival purposes and another in the circulating collection until theses and dissertations became available electronically.  Beginning in December, 2005, theses and dissertations were accepted only in an electronic format.  The Libraries have been initiating projects to digitize older documents to expand access.  A project to digitize theses and dissertations submitted from 1883 to 1922 has been completed.  This guide follows the status of digitizing and also indicates how to identify the links and locations of the theses and dissertations, whether in print or electronic.

When necessary, graduate students can request an embargo of six months, one year, or two years to delay public release of a work.  See the embargo policy for theses and dissertations.

At the author's request, staff at the KU Libraries are happy to digitize and make available in KU ScholarWorks any thesis or dissertation.  Please contact Marianne Reed at kuscholarworks@ku.edu for more information.

We can help with your research questions -- contact us by chat, phone, email, text or at a Research Help desk.