When a required standard is not available in the collection, the Memorial University Libraries will RUSH acquire it for current MUN students, faculty and staff - Recommendation for Purchase.

The Memorial University Libraries hold thousands of standards in online or print editions. To find a standard in the Library, check -

1. Online Standards collections
2. Print Standards collections

When a required standard cannot be found in the Memorial University Libraries' collections, please Recommend a Purchase.

Find additional information about standards on the web pages of individual Standards Development Organizations.

This guide deals mainly with voluntary consensus standards [VCS] developed by national and international Science / Technology / Medical standards development organizations [SDOs]. 

“Voluntary consensus standards developed by industry in accordance with procedures for due process, openness and consensus are often subsequently adopted by the government as part of the regulatory framework.” VCSs are not laws, but some may be referenced or incorporated in regulations, e.g. Canadian electrical code.

Requests for proposals and contracts for services frequently cite standards which must be met. Engineering societies support members who develop products that meet their standards. In legal cases, this protection can be very important.

Reference: American National Standards Institute (2004b). Standards activities overview.