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Humanities and Social Science Dissertations Published by University Presses: 2010–2014, Exploratory Observations

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Abstract

This study of humanities and social science dissertations published by university presses considers revised dissertations [RD’s] and their salient characteristics. Often dissertations in the humanities and social sciences become the sine qua non for advancement in academia; therefore, it is instructive to ascertain the ecology of dissertations published by university presses. Only revised dissertations [RD’s], and English language presses were surveyed from proprietary data provided by a North American book distributor [Yankee Book Peddler, Inc.] and were triaged for bibliographic aspects as well as for intellectual coverage. Disciplinary alignment, subject specializations, geographical distribution, as well degree of interdisciplinarity, and series publication highlight findings. Library of Congress Classification further articulated disciplinary orientation. Oxford and Cambridge University Presses, but presses are specialized by subject emphases. A significant number of RD’s are interdisciplinary, Eurocentric in subject and geographical coverage, historically oriented across LC Classes, and appear as titles in monographic series.

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Notes

  1. The author expresses thanks and acknowledges the permission and assistance in retrieving the necessary proprietary and gross data for this study, especially Jen Legier and her colleagues at Yankee Book Peddler, without which this study would be impossible.

  2. LC Code A—General works; B—Philosophy, psychology, religion; C—Auxiliary sciences of history (general); D—World history (except American history); E—American history; F—Local history of the United States and British, Dutch, French, and Latin America; G—Geography, anthropology, recreation; H—Social sciences; J—Political science; K—Law; L—Education; M—Music; N—Fine arts; P—Language and literature; Q—Science; R—Medicine; S—Agriculture; T—Technology; U—Military science; V—Naval science; Z—Bibliography, library science.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Interdisciplinary Studies Liaison, Humanities, Social Sciences, Education Library, Purdue University, 504 W State St, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA

    Jean-Pierre V. M. Hérubel

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  1. Jean-Pierre V. M. Hérubel
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Correspondence to Jean-Pierre V. M. Hérubel.

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Hérubel, JP.V.M. Humanities and Social Science Dissertations Published by University Presses: 2010–2014, Exploratory Observations. Pub Res Q 33, 445–455 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12109-017-9536-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12109-017-9536-1

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