An academic dissertation is a scholarly research thesis, typically written by a doctoral or graduate student as a requirement for a degree, which presents the author's original research and analysis, supported by evidence and arguments, and undergoes rigorous evaluation by experts in the field.

Dissertations embodying results of original research and especially substantiating a specific view, e.g., substantial papers written by candidates for an academic degree under the individual direction of a professor or papers written by undergraduates desirous of achieving honors or distinction.

Libraries in which a major proportion of the resources are available in machine-readable format, rather than on paper or MICROFORM.

Research carried out by nurses, generally in clinical settings, in the areas of clinical practice, evaluation, nursing education, nursing administration, and methodology.

Studies beyond the bachelor's degree at an institution having graduate programs for the purpose of preparing for entrance into a specific field, and obtaining a higher degree.