ME 3210 Lab 1 library standards: Guide

"I need to find some standards for my ME 3210 lab -- help!" 

If you're reading this guide, it's because you're looking for some ASTM standards for ME 3210, and you've found they're not all available online. 

As of September 2025, the following references are required for this assignment: 

1. Askeland and Wright, The Science and Engineering of Materials, 7th Edition. Cengage Learning,
   Jan 1, 2015.
2. ASTM A36 Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
3. ASTM B16 Standard Specification for Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar and Shapes for Use in Screw
   Machines
4. ASTM B221 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods,
   Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
5. ASTM B955 Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy Centrifugal Casting
6. ASTM E8 Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

Step 1: Find the print standards in the library. 

Our print standards are located in the reference section of our library. This is on the second floor. When you enter the library, walk straight back (towards RCAS). Once you pass the stairs/restroom, you'll find some shelved books. On the taller set of shelves, you'll find a collection of ASTM volumes. This is where you'll be looking for most of these standards. 

Step 2: Use the index. 

The most current print ASTM standards the library has are a collection from 2003. (This is fine for this assignment.) 

1. Find the Index volume, section 00, volume 00.01. (The call number for this volume is REF TA401 .A653 2003 00.01.) 
2. In the back of this volume, you'll find an alphanumeric list of ASTM standards. (These pages have a dark edge that is visible when the book is closed.) Flip to this section. The standards are listed in alphanumerical order. 
   - The second standard on your list is titles "ASTM A36 Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel". You'll find this listed at A 36, on page 1466. It indicates the standard is found in volume 1.04. 
3. Follow this process to find the volume numbers for items 2 - 6 on the References list found on the assignment. 
4. Carefully re-shelve the index volume where you found it. 

Step 3: Read the relevant volume to find the necessary information. 

In the previous step, you wrote down volume numbers for each standard you need to find. 

1. Find the volume you need on the shelf. For item 2 (ASTM A36 Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel) the index told us we need to reference volume 1.04. Find it on the shelf in the library's reference section. All ASTM Standards books are shelved in numerical order. 
2. Find the standard within this volume. Standards are recorded in each volume in alphanumerical order. Page through the volume until you find the standard in question. For item 2, the standard begins on page 108 of volume 1.04. 
3. Read the standard to find the information you need to complete your lab. 
4. Carefully re-shelve the volume where you found it. Be sure it is correctly placed in numerical order with the volumes around it. 

Still need help? 

If you still need help, ask a librarian. You can email us at library@msoe.edu. Or, stop by the front desk and say you need help finding standards. We'll be happy to help you out. 

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