Library and IT Self Help

The British Library has set up EThOS, a service which enables individuals to access PhD theses directly. EThOS currently provides details of more than 250,000 theses.

Register at http://ethos.bl.uk 

Sign in and search for the item. In the list of results:  

If a Thesis is available for immediate download.

You will see a green open lock icon. Click on the title.

• In the record click on the download button
• Accept the Terms and Condition
• Tick the Thesis title and click on the download button.
• A pdf will be downloaded.

If a Thesis needs to be digitised

You will see a scanning icon. Click on the title.

• If the button says Check scan fee and order a copy a fee is involved you can make an Inter Library Loan request. Please specify that it is a PhD Thesis

• If the button says Order from print (no fee applies), click on the button and Add To Basket.
• Tick the item and click on Confirm
• You will receive notification by email when the thesis is available for download.

If a Thesis not available via Ethos
Make an Inter Library loan request. Please specify that it is a PhD Thesis and that it is not available via ethos, eg: ‘N/A Ethos’.

If you would like more advice and support on using EThOS, please contact your subject librarian or email: informationspecialists@plymouth.ac.uk.