When filling out the Proquest ETD form and/or the MD-SOAR form, you must include an abstract. This is a required field. The abstract will be included in the cataloging record of your work. The words in the abstract are searchable by researchers who are interested in your topic and who search by keywords. This searchability will allow these researchers to more efficiently locate your publication in our online catalog as well as OCLC’s WorldCat database, an international database.
Using the abstract that was included in the print version of your work is fine. If there is no abstract in the print version, you will need to create one for your electronic submission.
If your publication is a compilation of articles that were submitted or will be submitted to journals, you will need to create and submit an abstract that encompasses your research as a whole.
Keywords are also required in the Proquest ETD and MD-SOAR forms. When selecting keywords, you should choose keywords that best describe the content of your thesis. Keywords can be taken from the abstract and/or title. Individual words and/or phrases may be used. Use keywords that will be easily recognized by others in your discipline.
Examples:
Try not to use adjectives by themselves as keywords. For example, the word long-term doesn’t convey meaning by itself. However, if used in conjunction with a noun (e.g. Long-term care), the meaning has greater significance. If possible include at least one keyword that does not appear in the abstract or title.