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Search for Standards @UW Libraries

Standards in the Engineering Library

Finding standards can be a challenge. There are thousands of standards published, many with cryptic numbering systems and frequent title changes. Most print standards at the Engineering Library are on the first floor of the Library. Find most of what the Engineering Library has in print by searching the Engineering Library Standards Database.

Please note that the edition held by the Engineering Library, may not be the most current edition of the standard. To check for other editions of a standard, search the Accuris Standards Store or ask at the Information Desk or AskUs for assistance. The standards held in the Engineering Library are primarily engineering-related. For standards related to other subjects, you might try checking with other libraries. For example, the Health Sciences and Architecture Libraries may also have standards in their collections.

There are exceptions to what is included in the Engineering Library Standards Database. The following are not included in this database:

  • AASHTO
  • ASTM
  • Mil-Specs or MIL-Stds
  • NAS
  • SAE J-Series
  • UBC


Standards available online from the UW Libraries:

AASHTO Standards & Specifications
Some of the major AASHTO publications which include standards and specifications are:


ASTM Standards
Connect via the ASTM Compass Digital Library*NOTE: Installation of Husky OnNet and Firefox is required for off-campus access to ASTM. Will not work with the UW proxy or Chrome or Edge browsers.

ISO Standards
ASTM has partnered with AENOR and offers all European Normative Standards (ENs) as well as all European ISO-adopted Standards. Search by standard number or title words, then limit to "My Subscription." *Note: Installation of Husky OnNet and Firefox is required for off-campus access to ASTM. Will not work with the UW proxy or Chrome or Edge browsers.

IEEE Standards
Connect to the IEEE Xplore Digital Library. (Draft Standards not included in access).

SAE Standards
SAE Mobilus is a repository of authoritative technical content including SAE standards and technical papers. SAE publishes many new, revised, and reaffirmed standards each year in three categories: Ground Vehicle Standards (J-Reports); Aerospace Standards; and Aerospace Material Specifications (AMS).
 

Standards Freely Available Online:

Finding Standards Elsewhere

If you need a standard that is not available in the UW Libraries, and you are a current UW student, faculty or staff and need the standard for your course or research, contact the Engineering Library first before purchasing. We consider standard purchase requests on a case by case basis based on budgetary restraints.

Other options include:

  1. Use Document Delivery. Interlibrary Loan can try to borrow a copy from another library, although standards are not often lent.  Please provide as much information as possible on the Document Delivery form. 
  2. Purchase a copy yourself. If you are pressed for time, this might be your only option. See below for purchase options.
     

Nimonik Document Center
Document Center Inc. specializes in paper copy delivery of specifications and standards. This is technical information used in trade, engineering, manufacturing, and other aspects of commerce. They can be government documents, such as regulations, or industry documents - for example, ANSI standards.

Accuris Standards Store
Provides a searchable catalog of over one million documents from over 450 standards organizations and sells standards in hard-copy and in digital format.

Techstreet
Techstreet provides engineering and technical documents from over 55 standards developing nations.