Westminster College Project/Thesis Guidelines

Library Requirements:

Graduate students are required to provide the Giovale Library with two unbound copies of their project/thesis. One copy is placed in the Archives, the other in the general collection for library users. Both copies are professionally hardbound according to Library Binding Institute standards. This is to ensure their longevity and permanent status as part of the library collections.

Submission of Library Copies:

Two unbound copies of the project/thesis must be submitted to the Circulation Desk in the Giovale Library. The student must pay a $25.00 binding fee for each copy. If the student wants personal copies hardbound, these can also be submitted at this time with the fee of $25.00 per copy. All copies that the library sends out are hardbound according to the standards. Students who desire personal copies to be bound in some other manner should work with a local business that provides this service.

Additional audio/visual materials should be submitted along with the project/thesis text. The author's name and year of graduation must be printed on all slides, audio/video cassettes and computer discs.

Students who submit projects/theses to the Giovale Library must include the following:

1. An abstract of approximately 200 words.
   
   
2. A title page. Click here for an example.
   
   
3. An advisor's approval page. Click here for approval page.
   
   
4. A signed permission statement that grants or denies the Giovale Library the right to photocopy the project/thesis. Click here for permission page.
   
   
5. A signed permission statement that grants or denies the Giovale Library the right to include the project/thesis in a an online digital repository. Click here for the permission to digitize page.
   
   
6. A letter of permission from the copyright holder for all copyrighted materials used in the project/thesis.
   
   

NOTE: Theses are collected and periodically cataloged and bound throughout the year, depending on the number received and the workflow in the cataloging department. Students should therefore be aware that it may be several months before their personal copies are available.

Pagination

Pagination must be consecutive throughout the project/thesis so that the cataloger and binder can make sure the pages are in the proper order.

Paper

Both copies of the project/thesis submitted to Giovale Library must be on acid free, archival quality, white bond paper. This paper is available at most copy centers and office supply stores.

Margins

Margins must be sufficient to allow binding; that means a left margin of l.5 inches.

Print

Print must be clearly readable

Illustrations

Photographs, charts, and other materials mounted onto sheets for inclusion in the project/thesis must be securely fixed to pages.

Oversize Materials

Because of difficulties in binding, it is recommended that students avoid the use of oversize materials. Charts, graphs, etc. need to be reduced or redesigned to fit the page. If oversize material is used it must be folded to fit in pockets which will be inserted in the back of the theses.