1. How to search for examples of theses
and dissertations
Electronic Theses Online Service (EThOS)
EThOS is an electronic theses project which aims to become a one-stop electronic shop
for all UK theses. Currently, you can search the collection through the British Library
which can be accessed at the following internet address: ethos.bl.uk
• If you want to search for a specific phrase, type it within double quotes.
• Keywords can be truncated by using '?' for a single character and $ for one or
more characters.
To obtain a copy of a thesis identified in this way you will need to complete an
Interlending and Document Delivery request, which can be done via the Library
catalogue.
Better for: Arts and Humanities: UK theses
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD)
www.ndltd.org/find
There are two search services available :-
• VTLS Visualizer
ETD search and discovery system powered by VTLS.
• Scirus ETD Search
ETD search and discovery system powered by Scirus.
VTLS Visualizer uses a simple search box and makes refining search results
straightforward.
Scirus offers a Basic search and Advanced search form on the same web page.
Better for: Sciences: USA theses
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2. Westminster theses
Searching the Westminster theses collection using the library catalogue is a two step
process.
1. First, conduct a Keyword search on your topic. At the results screen, click on
Limit
2. From the options on the next screen, scroll down to the box for “Limit by
material” and click on Westminster Theses. Then, click on the Select button
A list of theses for your subject area will be displayed on the screen for you to browse.
Results for keyword
searches with other
limits can be combined
using the
search function.
This is accessed via the
Previous Searches
option on the far right of
the screen.
Select the search results
to combine using the tick
box and click on
.
Select the appropriate
Boolean operator to
combine the sets and
click on .
Better for: University of Westminster subjects: University of Westminster theses.
January 2009
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