Offset printing from typescript as a substitute for microfilming of dissertations

Most universities, since conventional printing of doctoral dissertations became prohibitively expensive, have switched to the University Microfilms plan, whereby typewritten copies are deposited with UM, microfilmed, and abstracts published in Dissertation Abstracts. However, in the last few years, newer printing methods, especially photo‐offset, have made short‐run publication an economic possibility for this purpose. Estimated costs of editions of 25 to 500 copies, produced by various methods, are presented here. The methods include microfilm and 5.5 × 8.5 in. Xerox Copyflo reproductions available from University Microfilms, short‐run photo‐offset at 31% and 50% reduction, single‐spaced short‐run photo‐offset at 50% reduction, full‐size Xeroxing on the new Xerox 2400, and photo‐offset from full‐size masters produced on the Xerox 914. It is shown that the cost of true publication of doctoral dissertations no longer need be prohibitive, even if the candidate were forced to pay all costs himself.