Standards are essential for establishing uniform characteristics for materials and uniform methods for determining these characteristics. “In the broadest sense ‘standards’ includes specifications, codes, guidelines, recommended practices, grading rules and similar documents” [NBS Spec. Pub. 681]. 

However, standards can also be confusing and difficult to find. Because of the enormous variety and their expense, the URI Library is able to provide access to only a fraction of the standards available. 

Government-produced standards are often available online for free (usually in .pdf format), but society standards will almost always require purchase. Standards are often difficult to obtain through Interlibrary Loan; buying them individually or visiting the holding library may be necessary for quick access.

J. Sieburth 12/80; K. Morse 6/92; rev. J. Williamson 9/98; rev. P. Larsen 6/06, H. Williamson 4/10, Katie Leahy 6/13