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Decoding Bibliographic Citations

Trying to track down an item found in a reference list, but you don't know what it is or where to look for it? Help is here!

Identifying a Citation for a Thesis/Dissertation

Thesis Example:  

Warren, Sara E. (2009). The internet and politics: Facebook as a campaign tool. M.A. University of Central Missouri. 

Characteristics:

  • Author: Warren, Sara E.
  • Year degree awarded: 2009
  • Title of thesis: The internet and politics: Facebook as a campaign tool
  • Name of institution awarding the degree:  The University of Central Missouri
  • Degree awarded:  M.A.

Dissertation Example:  

Singh, Jatinder J. (2009). Consumer ethics: The role of incidental emotion, moral intensity and affective commitment. Ph.D. The University of Mississippi.

Characteristics:

  • Author: Singh, Jatinder J.
  • Year degree awarded: 2009
  • Title of dissertation: Consumer ethics: The role of incidental emotion, moral intensity and affective commitment
  • Name of institution awarding the degree:  The University of Mississippi
  • Degree awarded:  Ph.D

Locate Via the Bethel University Library Webpage:

  • Locate the Find Something Specific section 
  • Click on Theses
  • Locate the Find Theses & Dissertations from MN Libraries search box
  • Start by placing a search in the search box
  • Note if the title is held in the Bethel University Library and what its location and call number are
  • If the title is not held in the Bethel University Library but is held at a member library,
    you can request it from that library by clicking on Request from another library
  • You will receive an email when the title is available for pick-up at the Library's Check Out Desk

If a thesis/dissertation is not available at the Bethel University Library, or a partner library, you have the option of requesting it from a non-partner library:

Via the Bethel University Library Webpage:  

  • Locate the Library Accounts link
  • Click on Login to LibSearch
  • Click on Bethel students, faculty, and staff
  • Login with your Bethel username and password
  • Click on New Search at the top of the page
  • Click on Advanced Search
  • At Search for:  click on Beyond Partner Libraries
  • Enter a search for the thesis/dissertation in the search box, narrowing your search by the Material Type: Theses & Dissertations
  • Click on Still didn't find what you need? Click here to send a request 
  • Verify that Book/Chapter, Dissertation/Thesis, or Media is selected as the Citation Type
  • Fill out the request form
  • Click on Send Request 
  • You will be notified via email when the thesis/dissertation is available for pick up at the Library's Check Out Desk

Locate via free online websites:

  • Access the Bethel University Library webpage
  • Locate the Find Something Specific section
  • Click on Theses
  • Locate the Find Theses and Dissertations Online section
  • Search in one or more of the options

Theses and Dissertation options