All McMaster theses in print can be borrowed with a valid McMaster identification card (e.g., McMaster faculty, staff, currently registered students, external borrowers, etc.). The availability or circulation status (e.g. checked out) of a thesis will be noted in the library catalogue.
Visitors wanting to borrow a McMaster thesis should submit an interlibrary loan request for the item with their local library.
Borrowing Theses from Other Institutions
McMaster faculty, staff and currently registered students wanting a thesis not availableat McMaster libraries can submit a request for the item with interlibrary loan via RACER. NOTE: Very few libraries will lend copies of theses in their collection. If a thesis is unavailable for loan, Interlibrary Loan will contact you.
Purchasing Theses
Theses not available for loan or download, can usually be purchased.
Costs vary widely, according to supplier and format of reproduction.
Copies of most Ph.D. dissertations in universities in North America can be purchased via Dissertation Express, either through interlibrary loan, or as an individual. Use Proquest Dissertations & Theses A&I to find the order number, author or title of the theses you'd like to purchase.
Copies of international theses can usually be purchased through Interlibrary Loan from a variety of sources such as the university library involved.