To users with valid USC ID’s, Thomas Cooper Library will provide Full Text – PDF access to USC theses and dissertations from this Thomas Cooper library website. 

To see the first ETD submitted at University of South Carolina, type azad in the search box and click the search button. In the Result screen, click Full Text – PDF. This will demonstrate the ETD format for USC and let you see color and high resolution of figures not previously available with paper submissions. USC libraries will also obtain microfiche copies from ProQuest / UMI for archival purposes. Theses and dissertations may also be accessed from the ProQuest database from any browser location in the world, but full text access is restricted when this database is not accessed through the USC library link. This public ProQuest database does provide viewers the option to purchase theses and dissertations with a royalty payment back to the author.

For an additional processing fee, ETD submissions via the ProQuest portal may specify “Open Access” which provides full text access without fees to users throughout the world. This is not a USC Graduate School requirement but authors may elect this option if they want their scholarship to have the greatest availability.

Under certain circumstances where a creative work or intellectual property has commercial potential, restrictions or embargoes can be placed on ETD submissions. In these instances, the author may petition for permission to embargo or restrict the dissemination of the dissertation or thesis. The author will need to substantiate the reason for this request, and receive approval from the program graduate director and the Graduate School prior to submission. ProQuest provides guidelines on this topic, as well as copyright, and open access versus traditional publishing options.

Check with your program graduate director to determine if they require one or more bound copies of your thesis or dissertation. There are several options if your program requires bound copies or if you want bound copies for personal use.

Quick Copy

For your convenience, the Quick Copy Shop in the basement of Russell House will print, send to and retrieve from Millers Bindery, and deliver copies as you specify. The price for binding is $21 each, not including the cost of printing. The Copy Shop can copy your pdf file from a USB drive or CD, and print: black on bond paper at $0.05 per page; black on 50% cotton rag paper at $0.10 per page; and color on either paper at $0.40 per page.   Rag paper lasts longer and is recommended for archival storage.  The printer will automatically count black versus color copies and bill accordingly.

The Quick Copy Shop accepts cash, check, or Carolina Card for payment but not credit cards. Payment can also be made with a Printing Request Form containing a university department and fund number; please submit 2 copies of the form. 

ProQuest

When you submit your ETD, you may order bound copies from ProQuest; ProQuest will print, bind, and mail as you specify for $53 each.  UMI ETD submission costs must be paid with a credit card. Departments wishing to pay these costs can provide students with a prepaid credit card which may be purchased at places such as Wal-Mart for an $8.94 fee.

It is best to order your print copies during your initial submission of your ETD (only final copy will be published), but if you have already submitted you can use the Copy Order Form or call ProQuest at 1.800.521.0600 ext. 7020.

The National Library Bindery Co. of GA.

Thesis Binding,  Single Copy: $35, two or more: $17.50

Binding includes full title and full author gold stamped on the front cover with
the author’s name and year stamped on the spine. Cover color is black.

Copying services are offered at the prices displayed below. Electronic submission may be in PDF or Word Format and may be sent to nlbga@mindspring.com. Upon receipt of your request for the number of copies to be made, our office will contact you regarding payment. Payment may be by personal check or MasterCard/Visa.
Be sure to give us your contact name, shipping address, phone number and email address in your request.

Thesis Copying, Plain 20lb white copy paper single side Black and white per sheet: $.15, color per sheet: $.35.  25% cotton paper single side Black and White per sheet: $.26, Color per sheet: $.40.

Prices do not include shipping and handling or sales tax.  Please allow 4 weeks for completion of order, rush service available.