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 in their online course "Why Standards Matter."

How do you access standards? 

Because of the time and effort included in creating standards, standards are very expensive. Seattle University subscribes to current IEEE standards, which you can access through IEEE Xplore. You can also use the resources listed below to search for specific standards. Once you find the standard you need, contact the science librarian to see if the library can purchase it for you.