University of Waterloo PhD and Masters theses can be found in the catalogue, TRELLIS, by doing an author, title, or keyword search. You will find call numbers and locations for theses we have in paper or microfiche and links to those in electronic format.
When the original copy is on paper
Paper copies of theses are kept in the library's remote storage facility, the Annex. Once you have located the thesis in TRELLIS, you can recall it by using the online book request function. Keep in mind that theses are considered archival material and you will not be allowed to take it out of the library. Because of copyright restrictions you may photocopy only portions of the thesis but not the entire volume; also the Graphics' copy centres will not produce a cover-to-cover photocopy.
When the original copy is on microfiche
Microfiche copies of most UW PhD theses and many Masters theses (until the mid-1990's) are available within the Library and you can make paper copies of portions of the work using the available microfiche reader-printers.
When the original copy is electronic
Theses submitted electronically are in pdf format and may be viewed and printed without royalty charges anywhere. This format requires a viewer such as Adobe Reader installed and linked to your browser. Theses submitted electronically are not available in print.
Paper copies of theses may be purchased through the UW Library's IBIS service. Contact the service for information about charges.
Unbound paper copies can also be purchased with a credit card through University Microfilms for approximately US$31.00:
phone: 1-800-521-3402
fax: 1-313-973-1464
web: UMI Dissertation Express
It helps, but is not mandatory, to have the UMI order number (found in either print or electronic editions of Dissertation Abstracts).