Historical Perspectives on the Treatment and Cataloging of Theses and Dissertations

Despite the ever-increasing number of theses and dissertations (T/Ds) produced in the United States each year, few studies have been conducted to examine how they are treated and cataloged. This article examines the historical trends in how academic libraries in the U.S. have treated and cataloged these works using five surveys dating from the mid 1970s to the early 2000s. Responses were compared to examine what changes (if any) have taken place in working with T/Ds over the past 25 years. Similarities and differences in treatment and cataloging practices among the surveys were found, indicating that while libraries have maintained an active role over time in working with T/Ds, some changes may currently be taking place with regard to how these works are treated and cataloged.