The Library currently receives WSU theses and dissertations in electronic copy accessible via Griffin, the WSU Libraries online catalog. For print theses one non-circulating paper copy is located in the Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections division and the other circulating copy is located in the appropriate subject library.

Prior to 2004, the Library usually received three copies of every WSU dissertation. One non-circulating print copy was located in the Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections division. A second print copy was located in the appropriate subject library, as well as a third copy on microfilm. Starting in 1999, the Library received a few electronic copies of dissertations instead of print copies. Effective in 2004, the Library received dissertations either in electronic format or in print with the first copy located in Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections; the second copy located in an appropriate subject library; and a third copy on microfilm. Starting in 2008, the WSU Libraries received all WSU dissertations in electronic format.

Theses and dissertations from other institutions are not normally purchased. Exceptions are occasionally made if they contain especially significant material not otherwise available and if they are expected to be widely used rather than of interest only to a single researcher.