Skip to Main Content
J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library

Standards

Locating standards in the Van Pelt and Opie Library

About Technical Standards at VPOL

What is a standard?

A standard is a set of guidelines for the composition and manufacture of items, or for conducting a process or procedure. Adherence to some standards is required by law, others are voluntary. Standards:

  • Establish safety criteria
  • Ensure that items work properly and safely
  • Specify properties of materials, devices, or structures
  • Describe test methods and procedures for assessing product performance.
  • Allow for interchangeability of parts and correct fit of parts from different manufacturers

Who creates standards?
Standards are created by scientific and professional organizations, industrial organizations, and government groups. Some are adopted as legally mandatory by government regulatory bodies. Check out the Standards Developing Organizations (SDO) tab for a more comprehensive list of SDOs you can explore for standards relevant to your needs.

How do I know which standard I need?
Often you will see a standard cited in another document or on a product similar to the one you're developing. If you would like to do a broad search for standards that are potentially related to your project, we suggest using a tool such as the ISO Online Browsing Platform or ASTM Compass to explore.

Are the library's standards current?
The library collects print standards on demand. As such, a standard you find in the print collection may not be the most current edition. Check the website of the Standards Developing Organization for that standard for information on updated versions. In some situations, librarians may be able to work with you to acquire the most recent version. For the standards included in the library's online subscriptions, older versions are often available in addition to the most recent edition.

Can I borrow a standard? Photocopy it? 
The library's print standards can be borrowed for 5 days. Copying the entirety of a standard typically violates copyright law. Should you need multiple copies for a class or other situation, please contact us. We can also place a standard on Course Reserve for you.

Standards Tutorial

ISO example - eclipse glasses

See the Locating Standards tab for an in-depth overview and links to the Standards Platforms Michigan Tech has access to. Note that the library does maintain a limited Print Standard collection as well, located on the first floor of the J.R. Van Pelt & Opie Library. Whenever possible, we strive to support requests for standards that benefit teaching and research within the university community. Requests for standards outside of existing subscriptions are considered on a case by case basis. Please utilize the Request a Standard form.