After putting in so much work, you have a final copy of your dissertation in your hands. The next step is just as crucial as all the work that has been done to this point, including extensive review and proofreading. All that’s left to do is to have your dissertation printed and bound.
Dissertation binding might seem confusing, especially with all the technological advancements of late. That said, it is a process that needs to be taken seriously if you want to have all that hard work come to fruition in the best way possible. Don’t just rush out to get your dissertation printed. Take the time to know what types of binding are out there so you can make the proper decision.
Factors to Consider
Before getting into the various types of dissertation binding, it helps to know what factors and options there are to consider. For starters, know the specific requirements of your university. Each may have slight differences, and every detail is impactful.
From there, you can start exploring the different binding possibilities. There are a number of factors to consider like professional appearance, durability, costs, and quality. With that in mind, there are several binding types that may be worth considering.
Spiral Binding
For graduate or undergraduate students, spiral binding is the perfect option for dissertation binding. It is even better for those who might be working on a bit of a tight budget without having to sacrifice quality. Metal or plastic coils are used in this process to bind the pages together and you can even choose the color sometimes.
It isn’t the fanciest binding possible, but the presentation is very straightforward to read and handle. The flat opening makes it quite easy to browse through for hassle-free reading.
Hardback Binding
Hardback binding is another option, and it provides arguably the most professional look when it comes to binding services. Hardcovers on the front and back provide a level of quality that can’t be beat, though it tends to be one of the pricier options you will find.
Paperback Binding
Paperback binding is generally much better for more informal submissions. Even though it is substantially more cost-effective than hardback binding, the drop in quality is not drastic. The lighter, more flexible covers can also create a clean appearance.
Comb Binding
Comb binding is typically recommended for draft versions of the dissertation. It is one of the most cost-effective methods, even cheaper than spiral binding. Pages can be added or removed, and the front and back covers are transparent. You generally wouldn’t want to submit comb binding for your final dissertation, however.
Thermal Binding
In the thermal binding process, the binding is done using a transparent cover which generally highlights the cover page of the dissertation. The cool thing is that it offers a number of color options while still providing a solid, reliable look.
Simple Tips to Follow
There are a few things to do before submitting your dissertation for printing. For one, proofread your work. Simple grammatical or language errors, incomplete sentences, or misspelled words just look bad. Likewise, check to make sure the visual elements are accurate and properly aligned before moving on to the next step in the process.
Make sure that your dissertation is saved in PDF format before you go to a printing service. Having it in PDF format means that you can check for any errors easily while also ensuring that you can work with most printing services. Finally, talk to printing service providers ahead of time to get a clear idea on price, time, and binding.
