Using Advanced Search to Find Dissertations and Theses
On the results page you will find a search box. The advanced search is available by clicking on the icon that looks like stitching or an equalizer board. It's circled in the image below.
IMPORTANT: If you are searching for your dissertation, put your last name first in the main search box. It will go to a name index. If you see your name, click on it.
When you click on the icon, this box opens.
1. This is the most important part of the advanced search. This allows you to search specific fields/tags/elements used by the system.
When you click on "Select a field you will get a list of fields/tags/elements. Scroll through the list. The most useful ones begin with "USC.".
visor
Some common searches
| In the system | |
| Author | Creator -- Last name, First Name |
| Thesis Advisor | Advisor -- Last Name, First Name |
| School/Program | School |
When you begin to type the author's name (creator), a list will appear. Please click on the author's name
2. Click the plus sign to add another search condition.
3. Free text allows you to combine your conditions with a free text search of the entire record plus any associated full text.
Exact text is a controlled vocabulary search when you don't know what field/tag to use.
Exclude exact free text works like a Boolean NOT. If a record contains the text it will not be returned as part of the results set.