Identify standards you need using standards stores or bibliographic databases:

• Accuris store has a comprehensive catalog of standards (formerly IHS and Techstreet)
• Some standards may also be indexed in bibliographic databases, such as Compendex. 

Access to standards at MIT depends on what standards you need. We have access to some standards online, while others need to be requested for individual purchase. Read below for access by standards agency.

As of 2025, we have access to ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards online through the ASTM Compass platform.

To access ISO and IEC standards:

• Go to ASTM Compass. You'll need to accept the license agreement and will be logged in via Touchstone if you are off campus. (You need to be connected to MIT Secure wifi if you are on campus).
• Search for the ISO or IEC standard you need without the agency prefix. For example, if you are looking for IEC 61400-1:2020, "Wind energy generation systems - Part 1: Design requirements", search for "64100-1".
• You will see several results. The ones designated UNE-EN are European adopted versions of ISO and IEC standards, as published by the Spanish standards agency. These standards are in English and have the complete text of the original ISO and IEC standards. Please use the UNE-EN standards when available, as we have unlimited access to these.
•  If there is no European adopted version, you may also find the standard under the original number, eg ISO 22400-1.
• If you do not find what you are looking for, please fill out a standards request.
• PDFs of standards may be viewed online, downloaded and searched. When available, you can click "versions" in the upper right corner to see past versions of the standard. Note that ISO/IEC standards are only available to MIT affiliates doing MIT-related work.

• ASCE (American Society of Civil Engineers) standards (restricted to MIT affiliates)
• ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) Annual Book - current standards available online, older editions of ASTM standards are available in print in Barker Library (restricted to MIT affiliates)
• Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) - available in print in Barker Library reference, 5th floor (Note: other ASME standards are not available; for these, please use the request form).
• Building codes (including fire, electrical, plumbing, etc.) - see building codes
• EN and CEN standards - these are European adopted standards, typically of ISO standards. Check in ASTM compass following the directions for ISO standards above and if unavailable fill out a standards request form.
• IEEE standards (restricted to MIT affiliates)
• ITU-T standards and recommendations (freely available)
• Military (MIL) standards and handbooks - can be found via ASSIST Quick Search (freely available); some MIL Handbooks also available via Knovel
• SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) - current standards can be found online, older editions are available in print and CD in Barker Library (restricted to MIT affiliates)

If you don't find your standard in the collections above, please fill out the request form. We will let you know if we already have the standard in the collection or can purchase it.

Note that we buy standards in print so that they can be added to the collection, and the process may take 2-3 weeks before the standard is ready to be picked up. If you need the standard more quickly or are unable to use the print version, please add a note to your request. 

We purchase standards only for members of the MIT community who need them for their work, coursework or research at MIT. 

We also have an extensive print collection of standards in the library; see Finding Print Standards in the Library for help finding these or fill out the request form to get help.

Request a Standard
(MIT only)

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