University of KentuckyThe University of Kentucky offers all students submitting a thesis or dissertation the option of completing an electronic document (an ETD) instead of the traditional bound paper volume. The ETD satisfies all requirements of the Graduate School. See the Graduate School "Preparation of Theses and Dissertations" for complete information on creating ETDs:
- Instructions for Preparing Electronic Master's Theses
- Instructions for Preparing Electronic Dissertations and Doctor of Musical Arts Projects
ETDs are not printed and bound by the University. If you want to bind a personal copy of your ETD, contact Heckman-ICI. If your department requires a bound departmental copy (and pays for it with a University Pro card), see these instructions.
How to Access ETDs: You can find University of Kentucky ETDs by searching our ETD database (which contains theses and dissertations submitted in electronic format only). ETDs are also in our Library Catalog (where you can also find records for paper theses and dissertations). Please Ask-A-Librarian if you need help finding a thesis or dissertation.
Simple Tips
- Better underlying structure in Word will result in easier conversion to PDF. Using styles for chapter headings, for example, will cause Acrobat to create your bookmark links automatically. (If you don't do this, you can still create bookmarks manually.)
- No executables. Remember that your document will be accessed via web, not from your CD.
- Review the Graduate School instructions well in advance. Creating an ETD is fairly easy, but if you hit a snag you'll want time to sort it out or get help.
- If you want to do something technically atypical (e.g., include an application file) contact us in advance.
- Consider File Size. Documents larger than 10MB may be inaccessible to dial-up users. Using "Save As" in Acrobat (rather than "Save") will cause Acrobat to compress your document. Please do this before submitting. Also consider using the smallest image size that will suit your purpose. If you still have a large document, consider breaking it up into smaller pieces.
- Use non-proprietary formats for multimedia objects, to improve chances that these elements survive in the future.
- Fully document non-text aspects of your ETD, in case the multimedia components fail during migration.
- Copyright is your responsibility.
- Errors and typos in the final document will not be corrected. Please proofread your document thoroughly before you submit it..
See the technical FAQ for additional helpful tips.
Technical Help
- Software for creating PDF documents is available in the Student Computing Services labs on campus. Full Adobe Acrobat (not the free reader) is required to create PDFs. The full application is available on some but not all machines in the labs. Ask the lab manager to identify the machines with the full application.
- Having technical trouble converting your document to PDF? Drop-in help for document conversion and other technical questions about creating your PDF file is available at the IT Help Desk at the Hub or in the Student Computing Services labs. The Information System's Customer Service Center Help Desk can also provide technical support as you create your ETD. Call, email or visit the IS CSC Help Desk in 111 McVey Hall (phone: 859-257-1300, email helpdesk@uky.edu). If you feel you might need extensive assistance on a specific technical issue, it is best to call ahead and make an appointment with one of the technical-support personnel.
- BYU's ETD site has an excellent PDF guide and video clips with "how to" help.
- University of Cincinnati's ETD FAQ page also has some useful tips.
- Online training for using Adobe Acrobat is available through EVC course site. Choose the "Computer Professional Library" to find the Acrobat modules. Online courses are free for UK students, staff and faculty. Log-in using your link blue ID.
Why Choose an ETD?
Benefits
- Enhanced functionality (e.g., multimedia files)
- Increased visibility / Easier access - Your ETD is available 24/7 worldwide.
- Lower cost for students
- Worthy educational experience - Learning how to create a document for online delivery can be beneficial later in your career.
Concerns
- Long-term preservation - Long-term preservation/functionality of non-paper documents is not guaranteed, although progress in preservation techniques is being made
- Post-ETD publishing questions - Can I publish an article based on my dissertation if it is available for free on the web? Publishers are becoming more willing to publish articles derived from content that is also available as an ETD.
- Plagiarism/intellectual property concerns - Copying may be easier with an electronic document.
If you would like to discuss the ETD program or desire additional information, please contact
- Brian A. Jackson, Ph.D., Senior Associate Dean, The Graduate School, 202 Gillis Building, (859)257-4905, Brian.Jackson@uky.edu, or
- Beth Kraemer, Young Library, (859)257-0500 x2115, kraemer@uky.edu.