About Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Almost every North American university sends its doctoral dissertations and masters theses to University Microfilms International (UMI) for archiving (microfilm) and dissemination (on-line purchasing of copies).

In the past, students submitted their document to the graduate school for approval, then it was sent to library, which sent the original to University Microfilms. The library had other copies bound. University Microfilms kept a microfilm of dissertation and sent the original back (which was then bound) and also sent a copy of the microfilm. Two bound copies were stored in the library and one bound copy was in the home department office.

But now, many universities have switched from archiving theses and dissertations by paper to archiving electronically. Some advantages of electronic theses and dissertations:

  • Electronic submission allows for use of multimedia in theses and dissertations
  • Students learn how to use electronic media, including library digital resources
  • Students who have successfully defended can finish revisions via long-distance
  • Dissemination increases dramatically (e.g., from a few library requests for hardcopy per year to hundreds per year electronically)
  • Reduction in costs for students (no more photocopying)
  • Reduction in costs for libraries (less handling, less storage costs)
  • Other universities are doing this (more than 200, including the other SUNY University Centers)
  • Electronic distribution is expected to dominate within 5-10 years
  • With UMI:
    • Double-protection archiving (microfilm and digital)
    • Library of Congress has rights to UMI collection
    • Binghamton University has FREE full-text access to all BU theses and dissertations

In March 2004, Binghamton University's Graduate Council unanimously approved electronic submission of theses and dissertations to the Graduate School. Effective Fall 2004, all doctoral dissertations must be submitted electronically (exceptions only under special circumstances and with prior permission from the Graduate School). Effective Fall 2005, all masters theses must be submitted electronically (exceptions only under special circumstances and with prior permission from the graduate school).

For details about the submission process, see Submitting Your Electronic Thesis or Dissertation.