scope:

Introduction

This guide was originally published in 1989 as an introduction to industry standards. According to the author, Albert L. Batik, "The intent of this book is to aid both the engineer and supporting information specialist to gain a perspective about standards. Such a perspective may lead to a better understanding of standards, and aid in the use of appropriate standards, to the benefit of the individuals as well as the organization which puts standards on its agenda."

Like most businesses in today's fast-paced world, the standards community has changed in the past decade and continues to evolve and adapt to the challenges of a global economy. Perhaps the biggest change for standards developers and users has been the increasing reliance on new technologies to develop, disseminate, and access standards information.