Identify standards you need using these free databases:
Before you request a standard, check that we don't already own it in print. If we do, members of the MIT community can check out standards. If we don't own a standard, we can buy print copies of standards for members of the MIT community (note that during our IAP closure, we will also buy standards electronically when possible to expedite delivery). To request a standard, fill out the request form. If you need any help finding a standard, please use the Ask-Us chat or email.
Additionally, several standards granting agencies are making standards relating to Covid-19 relief efforts freely available during the pandemic, including standards for PPE, ventilators and more. We have gathered a list of these here.
1. First, try the alphabetical list of standards (Excel) held in the MIT Libraries, search our collections or check the frequently asked for standards. Standards are in the library catalog by authoring body - NOT by individual title/number.
2. From the record in our catalog, click on "locations" and then "show more items" to see the individual standards held in the library.
If we do not own the standard, you are part of the MIT Community, and you need the standard for your research or coursework, you may request a standard by going here: http://libraries.mit.edu/standards-form. Please read the policies carefully.
Some standards are available online. For standards in print, the link will take you to the record in Search Our Collections. Follow the instructions for #2 (above) to find the standard number.
American Society for Testing and Materials: Annual Book of ASTM Standards
Current standards are available online: https://libguides.mit.edu/astmstand.
For older ASTM standards in print, see below
IEEE Standards - Electronically available through IEEE Xplore. Does not include draft standards.
Military Standards and Handbooks
Can often be found online at ASSIST Quick Search , some MIL Handbook also available via Knovel.
Current SAE standards, including aerospace, AMS, and ground vehicle standards (J standards) are available online in SAE Mobilus. Search by title or standards number.
Older versions are available in print or on CD-ROM:
SAE Aerospace Standards
SAE Ground Vehicle (J) Standards
ASTM standards, published in the multi-volume Annual Book of ASTM Standards, cover testing procedures, specifications and standard practices for a range of materials and topics. Their numbers indicate the broad area of the standard and the year they were published; for example, B160-61,"Specification for nickel rod and bar" is in section B (non-ferrous metals) and was published in 1961. Standards are regularly updated (and given new year designations), but not every ASTM standard is updated every year. As topics change, standards are sometimes withdrawn or given new titles/numbers.
For current and recently withdrawn ASTM standards, search ASTM Compass. Standards are available in HTML and pdf versions. Documentation for the search interface is here.
We also have ASTM standards in print until 2008. These are all in off-campus storage and will need to be requested. There are several catalog listings depending on what year you are looking for:
Print indexes to ASTM standards are available in Barker Library reference (5th floor) at the following call numbers:
To find an older standard, first check to see if it is available online in Compass. If not: look for the standard number or the topic in the appropriate year's index volume. The volume in which the standard appears will be listed next to the standard number. From the catalog links above, request the volume that you need to be sent to an on-campus library. If you cannot find what you need, use the Ask-Us service to get help.
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