Nottingham Central Library is the only public access point in the East Midlands for the full 38,500 draft, current and historic standards.

The InBusiness service subscribes to the British Standards Online Service and all visitors to the Central Library can access this and view all documents free. An advance booking is recommended.

You can copy up to 10% of an individual standard provided it is solely for research or private study, as set out in the 1988 Copyright Act, The charge for this is 50p per page.

Why bother with a Standard?

By adhering to certain standards, you can ensure that you maintain safe and efficient production processes, while offering customers in local or international markets some evidence of product quality and effective management systems. Some standards are voluntary while others are a legal requirement.

The British Standards Institute (BSI) defines standards as 'an agreed way of doing something'. Officially recognised standards bring benefits to all kinds of businesses, including manufacturers, retailers and service providers.

What is a Standard?

A Standard is a published specification that establishes a common language, and contains a technical specification or other precise criteria and is designed to be used consistently, as a rule, a guideline, or a definition.

Standards are applied to many materials, products, methods and services. They help to make life simpler, and increase the reliability and the effectiveness of many goods and services we use.

Standards are designed for voluntary use and do not impose any regulations. However, laws and regulations may refer to certain Standards making compliance with them compulsory.

If you would like to search the British Standards database, visit the InBusiness service at the Central Library

Online Enquiry Service

Need information on British Standards but can't get in to the Central Library? Send us your query now using our feedback form or e-mail us at enquiryline@nottinghamcity.gov.uk. We will reply within 2 working days.