What are standards?
A standard is a published document that establishes rules and requirements to ensure the reliability and safety of a product, material, service, or method. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization) defines a standard as a "document that provides requirements, specifications, guidelines, or characteristics that can be used consistently to ensure that materials, products, processes, and services are fit for their purpose."
Where do they come from?
Standards are produced and/or adopted by national standards organizations, international standards organizations, professional societies or organizations, and private companies. The American National Standards Institute coordinates many of the organizations creating standards. You can read more about standards (why they are important, how they are created, and more) in their handout on the "Power of Standardization."
How do you access standards?
Because of the time and effort included in creating standards, standards are very expensive. Talk to your Science Liaison Librarian.
Use the links below to search for standards. Standards can be very expensive so contact your librarian if you need a standard.
The Institute oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector: from acoustical devices to construction equipment, from dairy and livestock production to energy distribution, and many more.
Indexes ASTM standards with a fee for full-text.
U.S. military standards and handbooks
Commercial source of standards with a searchable catalog.
International standards information for purchase.
NISO, the National Information Standards Organization, a non-profit association accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), identifies, develops, maintains, and publishes technical standards.
Engineering and technical documents available for purchase.
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