Student Publications in the JKM Library

(last updated - December 11, 2024)

    Student publications (research papers, tutorials, theses, capstones, and dissertations) written to satisfy degree requirements are the property of Chatham University. The Jennie King Mellon Library and University Archives are obligated and mandated to collect, preserve, and provide access to deposited student publications as a record of Chatham’s degree-granting programs and as evidence of the work conducted in fulfillment of Chatham’s educational mission. As cumulative research documenting the growth of a university department, student publications additionally provide evidence of the growth and development of the University as a whole. To that end, the following policies are put in place to ensure the preservation of our students’ works and the Library’s fulfillment of its mission.

      Academic departments may determine for themselves whether or not works by graduating students are to be deposited into the student publications collections of the Jennie King Mellon Library and University Archives. Unless otherwise noted, intellectual property rights in student publications are retained by the author of the work.

Undergraduate Student Publications

      The library does not require submission of undergraduate work but will gladly accept an advisor-approved publication in any format (print and/or electronic), and only if it is accompanied by a completed Chatham University Library Release Form. Currently we consistently receive publications from the following departments:

• • BA  - Communication
  • BA  - English
  • BFA  - Creative Writing
  • BIA - Interior Architecture
  • BS - Biology

Graduate Student Publications

      The library agrees to collect from the following programs and departments, enforcing completion of work (signed acceptance by advisors and readers), required format(s), and deadline (usually on or close to the degree conferral date):

• THESES REQUIRED in ELECTRONIC
  • MS - Biology
  • MFA - Digital & Writing (PRINT optional)
  • MAFS - Food Studies
  • MSUS - Sustainability
  • MIA & MSIA - Interior Architecture
• CAPSTONES REQUIRED in ELECTRONIC ONLY
  • MIA & MSIA - Interior Architecture
  • OTD - Occupational Therapy
• PsyD DISSERTATIONS REQUIRED in ELECTRONIC ONLY                 

Preservation

      Print copies are stored in the University Archives and preserved in accordance with strategies applied to all the University Archives collections. Electronic versions and submission forms are managed using modern digital collection management tools, such as institutional repository software, to ensure long-term digital preservation, managed remote access, and digital collections security.

Access

        Print student publications do not circulate nor are they eligible for interlibrary loan. They may only be viewed in the JKM Library by patrons with a valid Chatham ID or those with written permission of the author. All electronic versions will be accessible to anyone on the internet, except for undergraduate works, OTD Capstones, and those individuals who request that their works require a current Chatham login to view. Embargoes will keep the work completely out of view - on or off campus - until the Embargo ends. Alumnae interested in obtaining a copy of their student publications should contact University Archives, and/or consult the Reproduction Services and Fee Schedule

A Petition for Publication Embargo

        The Publication Embargo form allows students to request to have their publication embargoed for six years, if approved. Students can request an additional six-year embargo by submitting the Petition for Student Publication Embargo form a second time. Barring embargo, all publications have a record in the Library’s online catalog.