From: The Medieval Academy <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wed, Apr 16, 2014 at 3:14 PM

Medieval Academy of America Statement on Online Dissertation Embargoes

The Medieval Academy of America strongly encourages graduate programs
and university libraries to adopt policies that allow doctoral
candidates the option of withholding their Ph.D. dissertations from
university-mandated open-access digital publication for up to six
years. The Academy also encourages the disclosure of options available
to students so they can make an informed choice.

Many universities require doctoral candidates to submit their
dissertations digitally. Instead of conveying hardcopies to the
university library or archive, they must post the digital
dissertations online where they are freely accessible. The decision as
to whether to allow immediate, free, digital access to research or to
withhold such access for a limited period, should remain with the
doctoral candidate. This decision is best made in close consultation
with the student's dissertation advisor and other mentors who can
provide field-specific advice regarding career and publishing paths.

Signed,

William Chester Jordan, President
Barbara Newman, Vice-President
Carmela Vircillo Franklin, Second Vice-President
and the Council of the Medieval Academy