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. The Claremont Colleges Library has access to a number of IEEE standards, and you can use the resources below to search for standards. Once you find the standard you need, you can request it though Resource Sharing or suggest a purchase.
The Claremont Colleges Library purchases standards on a case by case basis. Use the links below to search for standards, and contact your librarian if you need a standard.
