Q: When can I submit my thesis/dissertation?
A: You may submit as soon as you have made all content corrections and obtained all signatures on your approval page. You must have all signatures to meet the first submission deadline. Deadlines are posted at http://library.msstate.edu/thesis/index.asp.
Q: Where do I submit my thesis/dissertation?
A: Submit your completed document electronically (as a single PDF file) to the Office of Thesis and Dissertation Format Review using the ETD submission software. Log-in to the ETD server at http://sun.library.msstate.edu/ETD-db/ETD-submit/login.
Q: Do I need to submit electronically or in paper?
A: As of the Fall 2007 semester, all theses and dissertations must be submitted electronically. If you would like a bound paper copy for yourself, your committee, or your department, the library's binding unit will be glad to assist you in ordering your bound copies from the binding company the library uses, National Library Bindery Company of Georgia. The student will be responsible for the full cost of binding and will make direct payment to the binding company. Please call 662-325-7674 or visit the library's binding unit located in Technical Services for more information about personal copies of theses or dissertations.
Q: How do I submit electronically?
A: On the T/D website (http://library.msstate.edu/thesis/index.asp), look under "Submit Electronically" and choose the "Login to ETD Server" link and create an account for your ETD (be sure to remember your username/password combination because it cannot be retrieved by Library staff). Convert your document to a single PDF file and post it to your ETD account by following the instructions.
Q: Do I need to give the Library a paper copy?
A: No; however, some students choose to give the library a bound copy as a gift. If a gift copy is given to the library, it will be cataloged and placed in Special Collections.
Q: Is there any paperwork that needs to be submitted with my document?
A: You must submit the following forms to the Library's Office of Thesis and Dissertation Format Review:
Distance students may send approval/signature page and forms by friends, U.S. Priority Mail, UPS, FedEx, or any other delivery services. The mailing address is Theses and Dissertations, Mitchell Memorial Library, P.O. Box 5408, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762. Forms may be faxed to 662-325-2895. Email questions to etd@library.msstate.edu or call James Nail at 662-325-2170 or Damen Peterson at 662-325-8756.
Q: How long will it take to check my thesis/dissertation?
A: Submissions are checked in the order received. Early in the semester, the check is usually complete within 48 hours. After the deadline for first submission, the check may require several days.
Q: After I submit my thesis/dissertation, what happens?
A: The Library checks your thesis/dissertation, prepares a list of corrections needed, and emails you the list of corrections. Once you make the corrections the process is repeated until all corrections are made and your document is approved for final submission. Once final submission approval is granted, you will receive a list of instructions and a link to our publisher website to upload your approved document. Once uploaded, fees will be assessed to your University account.
Q: What should I do when I get a list of corrections?
A: Make all listed corrections and re-submit your corrected thesis/dissertation as soon as possible. Many students re-submit three or four times before all errors are corrected, so don't wait until the final deadline to submit corrections.
Q: What fees will I pay?
A: Fee Schedule
Q: What is the optional copyright fee? Should I pay it?
A: The optional $55 copyright fee pays for ProQuest to file an application of claim of your copyright with the United States Copyright Office. You do not have to register your copyright, but you cannot sue for copyright infringement in the United States unless you have registered. For more information about copyright, see the U.S. Copyright Office's Frequently Asked Questions About Copyright or http://www.copyright.gov/.
Q: When is the optional copyright fee charged?
A: After the final submission, instructions will be provided for posting to the UMI/ProQuest website. All fees will be charged after this posting.
Q: What are the deadlines for submitting my thesis/dissertation to the library?
A: The deadlines are set by the Office of Graduate Studies. Each semester deadlines are posted at http://library.msstate.edu/thesis/index.asp and on the OGS calendar at http://www.grad.msstate.edu/academic_calendar/. To meet the first submission deadline, you must submit a completed approval page with all signatures and upload a PDF of your work to the ETD server. To meet the final submission deadline, you must make all corrections and pay all fees.
Q: I'm having trouble formatting my thesis/dissertation. Where can I find help?
A: The Instructional Media Center, on the second floor of the library, offers individual help with formatting.
Check the Office of Thesis and Dissertation Format Review webpage for Microsoft Word formatting hints.
Workshops are offered in the Fall and Spring semesters; check the Library's calendar of events or the T/D website for the current semester's workshop schedule.
If time permits, the Office of Thesis and Dissertation Format Review staff may help with limited formatting but cannot format entire documents for students.
Q: Can the Library recommend someone to type or format for me?
A: No. The Library does not maintain a list of people who type or format for students.
Q: Can I get personal copies bound for myself or my committee?
A: If you would like a paper copy for yourself or your department, the library's binding unit will be glad to assist you in ordering your bound copies from National Library Bindery Company of Georgia, the binding company the library uses. The student will be responsible for the full cost of binding and will make direct payment to the binding company. Please call 662-325-7674 or visit the library's binding unit located in Technical Services for more information about personal copies of theses or dissertations.
Other options:
Q: What is Interlibrary Loan (Illiad)?
A: Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) is the electronic system you use to request an item through Interlibrary Loan. The name ILLiad can be thought of as an acronym for InterLibrary Loan internet accessible database.
Q: Who can use Interlibrary Loan (Illiad)?
A: This service is available to all MSU Faculty, MSU Staff, currently enrolled MSU students and students considered to be Distance Learners. This service is not available to alumni, courtesy card holders or other institutions with which the MSU Library has an agreement.
"Distance Learning" refers to a body of classes taught either off-campus or via some form of technology that does not require the student to attend class on campus.
Q: Why do I need a username and password?
A: Your username and password allows us to give you secure access to information about your interlibrary loan requests. We can also enable you to edit your personal information such as your address or phone number.
Your username is your NetID and your password is your NetPassword. No one but you will know your password, not even the library staff. The password you set is stored in an encrypted file.
Q: What if I forget my password?
A: In the event that you forget your password, please contact the ITS Help Desk at (662) 325 –0631 or helpdesk@msstate.edu.
Q: How is Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) better than traditional ILL systems?
A:
Q: Are there any disadvantages to the electronic system?
A: Some people might find it troublesome to have to log into Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) using a username and password. We believe this is less trouble than traditional paper and electronic systems, which require you to enter your personal information with each new request.
Q: How do I create an account?
A: Log in to Interlibrary Loan (Illiad), using your Net ID and Net Password. Fill out your personal account information in your profile by filling in all required fields. Be sure to fill out the information completely and accurately. Be sure you qualify to use Interlibrary Loan (Illiad). If you have questions see FAQ question 2. Once you have filled in all the required fields, click on Submit Information.
All loans must be picked up at the desk and will not be mailed unless special circumstances exist and mailing has been approved by the Access Services Staff.
Q: What are the copyright restrictions for Interlibrary Loan?
A: The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyright material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. On of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "Fair Use", that user may be liable for copyright infringement.
This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.
This institution reports the use of photocopies and reproductions in excess of allowable limits to the Copyright Clearance Center and pays the copyright fees associated with these articles.
Q: What Web browser should I use?
A: You need a Web browser that can handle forms, tables, and, preferably Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). We recommend the current versions of either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.
Q: Is security a problem if I use a public workstation?
A: Yes. Web browsers cache information and create a history file on the local workstation. This allows a subsequent user of the workstation to access the system under your name using the browser's Back button to recall a page from the cache, or by finding a page with your personal information in the browser's history file. If you are concerned about the security of your interlibrary loan requests, you can take the following steps:
1. delete from the history file those pages that contain your personal information.
2. Exit from the Web browser before you leave the workstation. This prevents the Back button from accessing the pages you were using.
Q: Why does my browser say youre sending a cookie? Whats in it?
A: The technology that we use sends a Session ID to be stored on your machine. You can refuse this cookie and still be able to use Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) without any problems.
Q: What is the Max Cost? Why do I need it?
A: The Max Cost is the maximum you are willing to pay for an article or loan. Most of the libraries we lend from lend items for free, but from time to time these libraries do not have the required materials needed, and we must order from other sources. When you indicate a max cost of $0 and we exhaust the sources that lend for free, your request will be canceled. If you indicate a max cost of more than $0, the number of sources from whom we borrow is increased. We will always try to borrow from our reciprocals (free lending sources) first.
Most non-reciprocal sources start the fees at $10 with an additional charge per page.
Q: How long will I wait for materials I have requested?
A: The typical request takes at least seven to ten business days to complete. Requests without proper citations or low max cost could take longer. Also, rare or unusual requests take longer to process. If you have not received your material within fifteen days from ordering, please contact the Access Services Department.
Q: Can I do anything to speed up the process?
A: Do not use abbreviations unless the source of the citation uses them. If you know what the abbreviation stands for be sure to include the title in its entirety.
Obtain complete citations from standard biographic sources (i.e. indexes, bibliographies, library catalogs, etc.) and make a note of the source in your request
Be sure to check the holdings of the MSU libraries. The number one reason for unnecessary delay is that the University owns the material.
Q: Is there a restriction to the number of requests I can make?
A: No, but be considerate of others. If you have a large number of requests for a grant or research project, submit them over a few days. This will allow the Access Services staff to process not only your orders, but the orders of other patrons as well.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what I can borrow?
A: The MSU Library adheres to a National Interlibrary Loan Code (1993) that places some restrictions on the materials we can borrow. We do not normally borrow the following:
Q: I dont see my older requests when I look at my request history?
A: From time to time we purge older records older records from Interlibrary Loan (Illiad). Our policy is to keep requests online for several years in order to comply with record keeping requirements of the copyright law.
Q: How am I notified when my materials arrive?
A: That depends on how you filled out the Preferred Notification Method field in your profile. We can contact you either by e-mail or phone.
Q: How do I obtain my materials? Where do I return them?
A: Articles
Copies of articles are sent to you electronically if you have marked “yes” in your profile for Preferred Electronic delivery (if possible). Otherwise, they are held at Mitchell Memorial Library’s Access Services department, at one of the branch libraries, or are mailed as per the user’s instructions.
Loans
All loans must be picked up at either the Mitchell Memorial Library or at one of the branch libraries. Loans will not be mailed unless circumstances warrant a change in policy. All changes are subject to approval by the Access Services Coordinator.
Returns
Materials borrowed through Interlibrary Loan must be returned to the Access Services department located in the Mitchell Memorial Library. Please remember that these materials are on loan from another institution and must be returned on time. Please do not place Interlibrary Loan material in the book drop. If the material is returned by any means other than returning them to the Access Services
Q: What is Electronic Delivery?
A: Many libraries ship photocopies of articles to us in electronic format. In the past we printed these articles before delivering them to you. Now, through Interlibrary Loan (Illiad), we are able to offer you the option of electronic delivery of these articles in PDF format (Adobes Portable Document Format).
Q: What if I need a thesis or dissertation through UMI?
A: Theses and Dissertations may be purchased through UMI for a fee of $29. This fee must be paid by the requestor and is due at the time of delivery. Once the material is ordered, you are responsible for this fee.
Q: Who do I contact if I have problems with or questions about Interlibrary Loan (Illiad)?
A: System problems or Interlibrary Loan questions: Access Services office at (662) 325-7678 or e-mail to access@library.msstate.edu.
Q: What does the status of ___________ mean?
A:
Awaiting Copyright Clearance
This article request must be reviewed to determine if any copyright fees need to be paid. The library, not the requesting customer, if required, pays these fees.
Awaiting Customer Contact
This requested item has arrived and has been processed by the ILL staff, but we have not yet informed the customer that the item has arrived.
Awaiting Post Receipt Processing
This requested item has been received in Interlibrary Loan (Illiad), but has not yet been processed for delivery to the requester
Awaiting Request Processing
This requested item has been submitted by the customer and has gone through the copyright clearance process, if necessary. It is now ready to be searched and requested from potential lenders.
Awaiting Return Label Processing
The customer has returned this item to the ILL office. It is currently waiting return processing so that it can be returned to the lending library.
Cancelled By Customer
The customer has cancelled this request and no longer requires the requested item.
Cancelled By ILL Staff
The ILL staff has canceled this request. The reason for this cancellation may be found in Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) by pushing the "View/Resubmit Cancelled Requests" button and looking at the detailed information for the cancelled item.
Note: If the ILL staff cancels one of your requests, Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) immediately sends you an e-mail message explaining why the item was cancelled.
Checked out to Customer
The requested ILL item has arrived from the lending library, has been processed by the ILL staff, and has been checked out by the customer or by one of his/her proxies. Until the item's status is changed to "Item Checked In", the customer is responsible for the item.
Customer Notified via E-Mail
The requested item has arrived, has been processed by the ILL staff, and the customer has been notified of it's availability via Interlibrary Loan (Illiad)'s automated E-Mail. This status reflects the customer's preferred notification method (E-Mail) as entered in his/her personal information page.
Customer Notified via Phone
The requested item has arrived, has been processed by the ILL staff, and the customer has been notified of it's availability via telephone. This status reflects the customer's preferred notification method (Phone) as entered in his/her personal information page.
Delivered to Web
The requested item has arrived, has been processed by the ILL staff, and has been posted to the requesting customer's personal Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) page, where it may be viewed and/or downloaded electronically via Adobe Acrobat.
In Print Queue
The requested item has been partially processed by the ILL staff. It is currently awaiting the printing of its Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) identification label.
In Return Address Print Queue
The customer has returned the item borrowed from another library to the ILL office. It has been checked in and is awaiting the printing of its return address label.
Item Checked In
The customer has returned the item borrowed from another library to the ILL office and the item has been checked in. It is now ready for return processing.
Item Returned Received
The item has been returned to the lender.
Received Incorrect/Partial Item
An item was received that either does not match the item that was requested or is incomplete. The ILL staff will determine the quickest means to correct this.
Request Finished
The entire request process has been completed successfully. Requests with this status are archived under the "View Request History" button.
Note: Cancelled requests are not at "Request Finished" status and thus do not display under "View Request History". Cancelled requests may be found under the "View/Resubmit Cancelled Requests" button.
Request in Processing
This request is being processed at this moment.
Request Sent
This request for an item not owned by Mississippi State has been sent to possible lending libraries and we are waiting for the item to be shipped by a lender.
Q: How do I... Find a book?
A: The Online Catalog will tell you which materials the library owns whether they are books, journals, magazines, tapes, DVDs or teacher's kits. Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. When the search box pops up, check that you are on the Online Catalog tab before entering your search. If you know the title or author, use a Title or Author search. If you just know the topic, try a Subject search. Click on the titles to see more information about each item. When you find your book, be sure to check the Location (MSU Library, MSU Reference, etc.) and the Call Number at the bottom of the screen.
Need more information? Try How to Use Your Library http://library.msstate.edu/content/li/htuyl/index.htm , our online tutorial.
Q: How do I... Renew a book?
A: Renew Instructions -- http://library.msstate.edu/circ/accessing_electronic_reserves.asp
Q: How do I... Find a journal?
A: The Online Catalog will tell you which journals the library subscribes to whether they are electronic or paper. Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. When the search box pops up, check that you are on the Online Catalog tab before entering your search. If you know the title of the journal, use a Title Browse search. Click on the link next to the title to see more information. Once you have found the journal you need, click the Find It button to see if the Libraries have electronic access. If the journal you need is not available electronically, click the back button and check the Holdings at the bottom of the screen to find out if the Libraries own the issue you need in paper. The most recent issues (usually one year) of paper journals are in Current Journals for easy browsing and older issues are found in Bound Journals or in Microforms.
Want to search e-journals only? Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. When the search box pops up, click the E-Journals tab then enter the first few words of the title. Tip: If you aren’t certain how the title begins, you can change to Title Contains All the Words and enter words from the middle of the title.
Need more information? Try How to Use Your Library
http://library.msstate.edu/content/li/htuyl/index.htm , our online tutorial
Q: How do I... Find an article within a journal?
A: Use one of our indexes/databases to find articles within journals and magazines. Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. When the search box pops up, click on the Index/Databases tab before entering your search. Enter a word from the index/database name and click go to get an alphabetical list of databases. If you don’t know the index/database name, click the Category tab to choose from a subject list of databases. Both lists contain the same databases, just organized differently for easy access. Once in the database, search the topics for which you are looking.
Need more information? Try How to use your library! Finding Journal Articles http://library.msstate.edu/content/li/htuyl/index.htm, our online tutorial for database searching.
Q: How do I... Find a thesis or dissertation?
A: Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. When the search box pops up, check that you are on the Online Catalog tab before entering your search. If you know the title or author of the thesis/dissertation, use Title Browse or Author Browse. If you want to browse thesis/dissertations by department, do a Subject Browse search for Mississippi State University dept . of [Your Department Name Here] dissertations. Once you have found the thesis/dissertation you need, click the link in the Electronic Access note or get the Call Number from the bottom of the screen. The library collects two copies of each Mississippi State thesis/dissertation that are not available electronically. One is kept on the regular book shelves on the 3rd and 4th floors, the other is kept in Special Collections on the 3rd floor and can only be used in the Special Collections department.
Want information about submitting your thesis/dissertation to the library? Go to the Office of Thesis and Dissertation Format Review web page http://library.msstate.edu/thesis/index.asp or call (662) 325-2170.
Q: How do I... Find a book not on the shelf?
A: If the Online Catalog tells you a particular item is Available but you do not find it on the shelf, contact the Access Services department. They will attempt to locate the material and inform you if it is found. Be sure to have the Title and Call Number or Volume/Issue number of the item you need.
Q: How do I... Get materials from other libraries using Interlibrary Loan (Illiad)?
A: Interlibrary Loan (Illiad) FAQ http://library.msstate.edu/faq/faq_display/index.asp?cate=3&x=11&y=8
Need more information? Try Understanding Interlibrary Loan (Illiad): An Interactive Tutorial http://library.msstate.edu/content/templates/?a=1159&/.
Q: How do I... Find reserve materials?
A: http://library.msstate.edu/circ/accessing_electronic_reserves.asp
Q: How do I... Find CDs, DVDs and videotapes?
A: The Online Catalog will tell you which materials the library owns whether they are DVDs, videotapes, journals, books, magazines, or teacher's kits. Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. When the search box pops up, check that you are on the Online Catalog tab then enter the title. Once you have found the material you need, be sure to check the Location and Call Number which is listed at the bottom of the screen. You can also browse the CD, DVD, and video collections in the Instructional Media Center (IMC).
You can also limit a search to just visual materials (DVDs, videotapes) or just music. Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. Check that you are on the Online Catalog tab, then click Search Catalog. Click the Keyword Search near the top of the screen to get more search options. To limit your search, change the Format to visual materials (DVDs, videotapes) or music.
Need more information? Try How to Use Your Library http://library.msstate.edu/content/li/htuyl/index.htm , our online tutorial.
Q: How do I... Find and use style guides?
A: The best place to find style manuals like APA, ACS, MLA and Chicago is the Reference Desk on the 2nd Floor of Mitchell Memorial Library. There are also some online resources that provide some guidance on different citation styles. Feel free to check out the libraries' Citation Style Guides http://library.msstate.edu/content/templates/?a=1127
Q: How do I... Find tax forms?
A: During the spring semester, the Government Documents/Microforms room on the 2nd Floor of the library provides a display of tax forms and instruction booklets. Materials are also available via the web at http://www.irs.ustreas.gov/ for federal information and http://www.mstc.state.ms.us/
for State of Mississippi information.
Q: How do I... Find newspapers on microfilm?
A: Newspapers on microfilm are located in the Government Documents/Microforms room on the 2nd Floor of Mitchell Memorial Library. The titles are organized alphabetically by the city in which they are published. If you are not sure where your newspaper is published, you can search for the newspaper by title in the Online Catalog. Click on the Search link at the top center of the screen. When the search box pops up, check that you are on the Online Catalog tab then enter the title of the newspaper. Click on the link next to the name of newspaper. The record displayed will tell you the city and state where your newspaper is published.