Requesting Standards
To request access to a standard, please complete the Request a Standard form.
Before submitting your request, please check the standards databases listed on this page to be sure the standard isn’t already available for Northeastern users.
Read on for more information about the library’s standards support and what happens after you submit your request.
What are standards?
A standard is a document that defines specifications for design, performance, or process, as agreed upon by experts. Standards are critical for design projects to ensure safety and interoperability, and to enable international trade and cost savings. More information about standards is available on the library’s Standards & Regulations guide.
What standards does the library have access to?
Northeastern University Library provides access to the following standards databases. Please note that some subscriptions limit access to one user at a time.
- ASTM Compass – includes ASTM standards, plus European and Spanish versions of many ISO and IEC standards. For more information about these alternate versions, please visit the Accessing ISO and IEC Standards page of the library’s Standards guide.
- IEEE XPlore – 2,000+ IEEE standards on topics ranging from bioengineering, materials, and civil, environmental, computer, electrical, mechanical, industrial, and nuclear engineering
- Madcad.com – our subscribed collection includes access to select ASCE, ASHRAE, and ICC codes, plus USGBC LEED Reference Guides and AISC Steel Design Guides.
For more information about standards access, please visit the library’s Standards & Regulations guide.
What if the library doesn’t have the standard I need?
Due to the high cost and wide variety of standards available, the library’s subscriptions may not include the standards you need.
If the standard you need is not available through one of our existing subscriptions, we may be able to purchase it for you using (limited) funds allocated for this purpose.
Who can request standards?
Students, faculty, and staff affiliated with the Northeastern community.
How can I request a standard?
Please complete the Request a Standard form.
Questions? Please contact us at [email protected] or library.northeastern.edu/ask.
What happens after I submit the request?
A librarian will investigate purchase options for the requested standard. Then, we’ll email you to let you know if we’re able to purchase it or not.
Purchasing decisions are based on:
- Whether the standard is available from one of the library’s licensed providers
- Available format of the standard (e-versions are highly preferred)
- Price of the standard
- Available budget
We will make every effort to provide access to the standard(s) you need, but please note that standards can be expensive and our budget is limited. If you are requesting multiple standards, or a standard with multiple parts, please prioritize your list so that we can prioritize the highest value standards for you.
If we are able to purchase the standard, we’ll provide information about how and when you can access it.
How long will it take?
It depends on the standard. Usually it takes 2-4 business days to evaluate your request, process a purchase, and provide access, though sometimes it can take longer than anticipated. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
Have questions?
For more information about standards access at Northeastern, please visit the library’s Standards & Regulations guide or contact us at [email protected]. We’re happy to work with you!