One of the more frustrating parts of entering the doctoral program is "the not knowing".  Unless you have the extra time to check out books and read other student's dissertations, your not sure what is involved. Many of us need to see the whole to understand the parts.

These next few items may give you some overview of what will be involved in the "chapters" of your dissertation.  The following cites three texts and the authors explanations of how to write the first three chapters.  You will also find, an analyzes (albeit, one persons quick overview) of recently published TAMU-Commerce dissertations in the Elementary Education Department.  Hopefully, these will get you started in "wrapping" your minds around this process.

More Helpful Hints  

 Texas A&M Commerce Library 

                The university library can be accessed through the university web page. The university stacks, journals, reference materials and dissertations can be explored from home.

          The on-line library database is known as LION.  Type in any author, title or subject and find out which books are housed at either the Commerce or the Mesquite libraries.  Availability can be determined.  The library offers inter-library loan from all over.  This system works much like public library systems that have been computerized.

          Favorite books for assistance with the dissertation available in the reference section:

 ¥   Writing the Qualitative Dissertation –Understanding by Doing Judith M. Melroy. 1994. Ref LB2369 M38

¥   Successful Dissertations and Theses by David Madsen. 1992.

 Ref LB2369 M32

¥   Theses and Dissertations by Newman, Benz, Weis, McNeil. 1997. Ref LB2369. T44 

          The LION can also access all dissertations written by TAMU-Commerce doctoral students.  The LION screen for library offerings will display a cursor.  The access directions are:

·        At that cursor, type in t=dissertation t. and hit enter.  The screen will show dissertations grouped by departments. 

·        Choose the number line of the department and view all dissertations listed by author, title and date of publication. 

·        The next screen will list the topic of the dissertation and will list a number used to find the dissertation. You must have this number to view the document.

·        Dissertations are either stored on microfiche or are bound and kept in upstairs.  Check with the front desk for the location.

 Library Databases

           Other resources available through the on-line library may be accessed by obtaining passwords from the library staff. First Search, a (?), is a direct line to Wilson Full Text Select among other databases.  This database will provide full text articles that can be called up and printed at your home. The passwords change each semester so you must visit the library to keep up with them. 

                Although you can reach the LION through the university websites, the databases must be accessed through the university server or by using a proxy server.  Directions to establish the proxy are available at the library website.

          Of course any of these directions can be reviewed by visiting the library and when you enroll for your Level I tools class, typically, the professor sets up a tour of the library for the class. 

Your Best Spent Money Under $30.00! 

The university Doctoral Association can be located in the Education North building.  Please make it a top priority to join.  Besides information, the association provides you with library copying services and access to many other perks.