Having trouble accessing one of these standards? Email me, your civil engineering librarian, for help! Evan.Sterling@uottawa.ca.
A standard is 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. International standards ensure that products and services are safe, reliable and of good quality.
Source: ISO Standards
The costs associated with the development, publication, and distribution of standards are significant expenses, which is why standards organizations do not provide access to standards for free. In addition, there are copyright restrictions on standards that typically prohibit users from copying, printing, or reproducing any part of the document. These restrictions can make it difficult for libraries to provide access to standards.
Sources: Telecommunications Industry Association Standards Education and Resources and
How to best use IEC and ISO Standards: a user guide on licensing options and respecting copyright
Some standards organizations make access to their standards for viewing or download available for no cost.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) leads and facilitates the development and use of national and international standards and accreditation services.
CSA Store offers the most comprehensive selection of CSA Group’s more than 3,000 published standards & codes in a variety of formats, including printed and electronic versions.
The American National Standards Institute also provides the NSSN: search engine for standards
ISO has over 19 500 International Standards covering almost all aspects of technology and business.