University Microfilms Inc. (UMI) Dissertation Publishing/ProQuest Information and Learning (PQIL)

UMI has microfilmed hundreds of thousands of original research manuscripts since its dissertation publishing program began more than 50 years ago.

PQIL is the foundation of all UMI dissertation reference products. The database is a computerized resource containing bibliographic citations for over 2 million doctoral dissertations and theses dating back to 1861.

All doctoral students who submit an electronic dissertation are required to participate in UMI's abstract publishing program in addition to having their dissertation microfilmed. Each dissertation abstract will appear in UMI's monthly publication Dissertation Abstracts International (DAI).

Each student’s dissertation will be one of the more than 45,000 dissertations added to the database each year. Students have two options of publishing with UMI/PQIL:

  • Traditional-By choosing the traditional method of publishing students are authorizing UMI/PQIL to reproduce, distribute, and sell copies of their work. UMI / PQIL will pay an author royalty of 10% on all sales of the dissertation. Royalty payments must exceed $10 in a calendar year to be paid.
  • Open Access-By choosing the open access method of publishing, and paying an additional $95 fee, students are authorizing UMI / PQIL to make their work freely available for viewing or downloading by anyone with access to the internet.

Both distribution methods offer students the following release and restriction options:

  • Release Options: six (6) month embargo; one (1) year embargo; two (2) year embargo
  • Restriction Options: No search engine access; No sales via third-party

Searchers will be able to obtain the full text of the title. Excluded from these distribution channels are dissertations and theses that are embargoed or restricted.

An archival microfilm master copy will be produced from the electronic document, which is retained in perpetuity in the UMI archive. Another copy will be deposited with the Library of Congress.

Additional information can be found in the UMI Agreement Forms and the UMI Publishing Guidelines located on the Office of Graduate Studies forms Web page.