Finding Standards

What are Standards?

Finding Standards Webinar

- Finding Standards - course handout (PPT file)

From measurement standards (inch vs. centimeter) to bicycle helmets to apparel sizing to IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) wireless technology standards private industry, government and international organization develop uniform guidelines for a variety of reasons.

For detailed & historical information on standards in the United States:

Look for icon for WPI Subscriptions, available off campus for members of the community with a valid network account via the proxy server.

Who Develops Them?

Examples of standard makers:

International Association for Testing and Materials - formed in 1896 to address a need for safe structures, such as buildings, bridges, and roads
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) grew out of this agency and create a large number of voluntary standards
National Fire Protection Association - Code and many fire safety standards or other non-profit organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent, product-safety testing and certification organization
Professional/technical member associations create standards,such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA) creates building codes
Many government agencies: see National Center for Standards and Certification Information (NCSCI)

Search for Standards

Annual Book of ASTM Standards. 72 Vols. REFERENCE TA401 A653
ASTM Individual Standard Search Form
IEEE Standards: Choose Browse or Search in via IEEE Xplore [Tutorial/IEEE Standards in Education Portal]
ISO International Standards
NSSN Search For American National Standards
ASSIST Quick Search - Military Standards - "Acquisition Streamlining and Standardization Information System" provides access to Defense and Federal specifications and standards
DODISS: DoD Index of Specs & Standards via Public STINET (Scientific & Technical Information Network), from Defense Technical Information Center
Federal Register - official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents. Often, requests for comments, or standards changes/withdrawls are listed here.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) - codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government
IHS/Global Standards Store & Engineering Documents - search and pay per view for standards
Standards Services at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) - their mission is to "promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life."

Tracking Down Standards Using Periodical Literature

Searching databases for articles about standards is often easier in pinpointing the correct standard making agency or using the above standards search interfaces. Is there a trade journals/newsletter that specifically addresses the type of standards you are interested in?

Trade press often gives overviews of the progress being made on new/upcoming standards.

EBSCOhost Business Source Premier - search Lacrosse and eyewear and standard leads to an article about a Jan. 1, 2005 ASTM standard implementation. This in turn points to the national governing body, http://www.uslacrosse.org. Their "Women's Division Board of Governors" who voted to create this standard.
Other databases to search:
- InfoTrac General BusinessFile ASAP
- LexisNexis Academic

Tracking Changes

TechStreet - allows free standards tracking. "Create a personal Standards Tracking List and they will send you an e-mail message when anything on your list is revised, amended or replaced."

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Last modified: Jan 10, 2008, 11:21 EST