Introduction

Standards and codes are needed to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. Standards may be developed by innumerable national or international trade associations, groups of industries or government agencies. To identify current standards search the ANSI database, which contains many world-wide standards.

Upon publication the acronym of the publishing organization together with a number and the current year identifies a given title e.g. ASCE 36 - 2001. Acronyms of organizations involved in writing standards, e.g. IEEE, API or UL, are listed at the ANSI Directory of Standards Developing Organizations (SDOs). [Thanks to  Cornell University Library Guides : Standards & Codes  for this explanation - see this site for more detailed explanations.]

Codes include building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, and maintenance codes such as: IBC, IEBC, IEC; IECC; IFC; IMC; IPC; IRC; UBC; BOCA; SBC; ADA; ANSI; Fair Housing: UFAS; and NFPA. Many are individually cataloged and are available in the print collection. To meet legislative requirements, many consensus standards organizations provide free limited access to their standards in a Reading Room.

Please contact the Liaison Librarian for Engineering if you can't find what you need!

Finding Standards at Catholic University

Most ASCE Standards are available in print form in Mullen Library. Please use the Library SearchBox - search using "ASCE Standard" as a keyword; limit your search to CU.

Search for ASTM Standards here (not free)

IEEE Standards - search on IEEE Xplore and for more explanation of IEEE Standards please see 2012 IEEE Standards Style Manual. 

Green Building Codes - Copy and description of consensus standards adopted by the Department of Energy. 

Whole Building Design Guide - The Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria provide planning, design, construction, sustainment, restoration, and modernization criteria

MADCAD  allows search of a collection of building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, and maintenance codes (not free).

See also:

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Recognized Consensus Standards from US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-US Dept. of Health and Human Services 

Standards Incorporated by Reference : Standards that have been incorporated by reference in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These standards incorporated by the U.S. government in rulemakings are offered at no cost in “read only” format and are presented for online reading. There are no print or download options.