Standards

U-M Library has standards in many different databases, one of the most popular is ASTM Compass.

Let's go through the process of looking up a known standard in ASTM Compass. The procedure is similar for other databases when U-M Library subscribes to the database that matches the standard issuing organization (like ASTM, ASCE, SAE, etc).

 

 

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Finding (Accessing?) Standards using ASTM Compass

 

Let's look at an ASTM standard about peanut butter.

On social media you see this post about peanut butter being a liquid as defined by ASTM D4359-90. How do we find this standard?

 

U-M Library has a subscription to ASTM Compass. [link to other LG page with list?] Its direct link is here, and it can also be found by entering 'astm' in the main search box of the U-M Library Homepage. Then click on ASTM Compass in the 'databases' category of results.

 

On the landing page of ASTM Compass, enter the standard number in the search bar. Putting 'ASTM' or the title of the standard is not necessary because we're already inside the ASTM database.

 

The first search result is the right standard number, so it's the peanut butter standard we're looking for. Clicking on it will open the record. 

 

From the record page it is possible to download the PDF of the standard. Use the Download button at the top of the page.

 

Now you can read all about how peanut butter is a liquid not a solid.

 

Things to keep in mind:

→ If looking for historical versions of an ASTM standard, use the Versions ▼ dropdown
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