Standards Research Guide
by Juan Denzer, Engineering and Computer Science Librarian
Technical, Industry or Engineering Standards are used regularly by SU faculty, students and staff. Standards are documented agreements that specify the characteristics, performance and production methods for products, services or systems. Developed by voluntary consensus organizations, these standards aim to ensure interoperability, safety, quality and fair competition in various industries. They typically encompass product standards that define features and performance requirements or process standards that specify production and delivery methods.
By providing a common language and set of expectations, technical standards benefit various stakeholders, including:
- Manufacturers: reduce costs, gain market access.
- Consumers: enjoy safer, compatible, and higher-quality products.
- Regulators: ensure adherence to safety and performance requirements.
Examples include electrical safety, telecommunications, food safety, and medical device standards.
Syracuse University Libraries owns a very limited number of standards in print and has access to ASTM Standards and ASHRAE Standards online. There are also individual standards available online through TechStreet.
For more information on how to locate Standards, copyright, sharing or citing standards, visit the Standards Research Guide. If there’s a standard not available that is needed, contact your Subject Librarian to request purchase.