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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert my document to PDF?
How do I get access to the full version of Adobe Acrobat?
What is the role of OhioLINK?
How do I submit my ETD to OhioLINK?
Why is WSU requiring electronic submisssion?
Why do the libraries no longer need a paper copy?
Why should I make my ETD freely available?
How will my ETD be accessed?
What are the options regarding electronic access?
What is the role of Proquest/UMI?
What if I want to include material I've previously published in my ETD?
What if I turn my ETD into a book?
How many WSU and Ohio ETDs are available in the OhioLINK ETD Center?

How do I convert my document to PDF?

Converting your document to Adobe Acrobat is a multi-step process that requires the full version of Adobe Acrobat--see complete instructions. The Student Technology Assistance Center (STAC) can also assist students with converting their documents to PDF.

How do I get access to the full version of Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat Professional (the full version of Adobe Acrobat) is available on computers in STAC. You can download the trial version from the Adobe website at no charge, but it expires after 30 days.

What is the role of OhioLINK?

OhioLINK launched the ETD Center in 2001. It was created at the request of the Regent’s Advisory Council on Graduate Study (the Ohio graduate dean’s group) and is a joint project of OhioLINK and the Council.

How do I submit my ETD to OhioLINK?

Complete instructions for submitting your ETD to OhioLINK are available on the OhioLINK website or as a PDF file.

Why is WSU requiring electronic submission?

The WSU Graduate Council voted to make ETD submission mandatory at its Winter 2006 meeting. ETDs have several distinct advantages for the University and for graduate students.

ETDs:

• Provide greater visibility and access for WSU research
• Provide protection on a secure server if publication or intellectual property concerns arise
• Allow students to include multimedia files in their manuscripts.
• Eliminate the need for students to produce expensive paper copies.
• Save space and processing costs for the University Libraries

Why do the Libraries no longer need a paper copy?

The University Libraries and OhioLINK are committed to electronic archiving of all documents in the OhioLINK ETD Center, regardless of future changes in standards.

By not also archiving a paper copy, the Library reduces handling and library costs and saves much-needed shelf space for other materials.

Why should I make my ETD freely available?

Scholarship is dependent upon the sharing of knowledge among researchers. Theses and dissertations are a traditionally underutilized source of significant research. Making them freely available online stimulates education and research by aiding in the transfer of knowledge. It also increases the likelihood that other researchers know of and credit you for your work.

How will my ETD be accessed?

Your ETD will be accessed directly from the OhioLINK ETD Center which provides searching and browsing capability. The University Libraries will also catalog your ETD and place a record (with URL) in the Libraries’ online catalog. If you submit your ETD to Proquest, it will also be accessible through their products.

What are the options regarding electronic access?

The University offers two options regarding electronic access to your ETD. The recommended option is to make the ETD freely available via the web as soon as it is accepted by the School of Graduate Studies. The second option is to deny access for a period of one year; this option is available for situations such as pending patent applications. Graduate students should consider these options carefully and discuss them with their advisor or legal counsel as appropriate.

What is the role of ProQuest/UMI?

Proquest (formerly University Microfilms International) is a Michigan-based corporation that archives theses and dissertations on microfilm. They also provide an indexing and abstracting service called Dissertation Abstracts and serve as an on-demand publisher, providing copies of archived theses and dissertations to buyers. WSU requires that all doctoral dissertations be submitted to Proquest; submission of masters theses is optional.

What if I want to include material I've previously published in my ETD?

If you want to include material you’ve previously published in your ETD, you should discuss your options with your committee and possibly with the publisher. One option is to cite the previous publication(s) in your ETD; another is to link to the previously published material if it is available online. A third option is to include it in full in your ETD; you can exercise this option only if you have retained the copyright. If you have not, you will need the publisher’s permission to include the material.

What if I want to turn my ETD into a book?

Books that result from theses and/or dissertations are often considerably changed during the editorial process, so even people who have reviewed your ETD may be likely to buy your book when it comes out. In addition, some studies indicate that availability on the web has a positive effect on book sales. Still, publisher policies vary widely in this area. You should consult with publishers to whom you might submit your work concerning their policies.

How many WSU and Ohio ETDs are available in the OhioLINK ETD Center?

As of Fall 2006, there are 10,297 ETDs in the OhioLINK ETD Center; 9112 (88%) of these are full text. Wright State has 43 full text ETDs in the ETD Center.