Thesis Binding @the Gutman Library FAQ

This guide answers common questions about the thesis binding service currently available through the Paul J. Gutman Library. Please email us if you have a question you do not see answered here.

All policies and procedures communicated through this guide are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Q: What is thesis binding?
A: Thesis binding is a service the Paul J. Gutman Library facilitates for Master’s programs on the East Falls campus only.  The University requires one hard-bound paper copy for your academic department. You may order additional personal copies.

Q: What do I need to have my thesis bound by the library? 
A: To successfully have your thesis bound by the library, you must provide the following (all required):

•  At least one (1) printed copy of your thesis on acid-free paper. 
• The Master's Thesis Approval Form, provided by your academic department, with signatures from your thesis committee and college dean. You must have an original Master's Thesis Approval Form for each copy of your thesis that you submit for binding.
• A completed copy of the Master’s Thesis Binding Instructions Form
• A signed personal or cashier's check for the total dollar amount corresponding to the number of printed copies you would like to have bound, made payable to the Paul J. Gutman Library. (see Thesis Binding Instruction Form for costs.)
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Note: Theses submitted without these items will not be sent for binding.

Q: Why does my thesis need to be printed on acid-free paper?
A: Acid-free paper is required for its preservation/ longevity. 

Q: How do I get a copy of the required forms?
A: For your order to be submitted successfully, one (1) copy of the Master’s Thesis Approval Form must be submitted for each copy of your thesis you are binding, and a single (1) copy of the Master’s Thesis Binding Instructions Form must be submitted with your order. 

Please contact your program department for copies of the signed Master’s Thesis Approval Form. You can download the Master’s Thesis Binding Instructions Form using the following link: Download here
 

Q: How much does binding cost? 
A: The cost of the binding service depends on how many bound copies of the thesis you want. The University requires one (1) copy to be sent to your academic department. That single copy is $45. Additional personal copies are $35 each. 

Q: What type of payment do you accept? 
A: At this time, the library only accepts payment in the form of personal paper and cashier's checks. Please make your check, with the total amount of your order, payable to Paul J. Gutman Library.

Q: Will I get a receipt for the payment?
A: The Library Director or their administrator will email confirmation of receipt of your payment at least 2-3 business days after your items are dropped off. If you drop off your items on a Friday, you may not receive this confirmation until the following business week. 
We try to do our best to communicate the receipt of your payment. On the occasion when your items are dropped off, and the administration office is closed or out of the office for a period of time, we will confirm receipt upon return to the office. We thank you for your patience. 

Q: How long does the process take?
A: The library uses a third-party vendor to bind items. As a result of processing and shipping, turnaround time for your bound thesis may take up to 4-5 months. Please provide a valid non-Jefferson email address on your Binding Instruction Form so we may contact you when your items are ready for pick up. 
Note: The library batches its binding orders. This policy may cause a delay in the processing of your binding request.

Q: Do I need to provide a physical copy of my thesis?
A: Yes! Please provide the library with physical copies of your thesis to be sent to the bindery. We need at least one (1) copy for your academic department, printed on acid-free paper. You can provide as many additional copies as you like. All copies must have the Master’s Approval Form included. A single (1) copy of the Binding Instructions form is required for your entire order. The library will not accept electronic submissions of your thesis for binding services. 

Q: To whom do I give my printed copies? 
A: Please drop off the printed copies of your theses at the front circulation desk at the Gutman Library between 9a and 5p, Monday - Friday. Please ask for a supervisor and hand it to them. 
 

Q: Do you bind doctoral dissertations? 
A: We only bind dissertations for programs that have made explicit arrangements with the library (e.g., the DMgt of the Strategic Leadership Program). In addition to the above requirements, these students must include a completed and signed Doctoral Dissertation Approval Form from their program chair/primary advisor with their work when submitted to the library. 

ALL OTHER DOCTORAL STUDENTS should contact their program department to inquire about the requirements for their work and the next steps. If their program department has questions about options for archiving student work with the library, please have them contact the library director.