Guide Index

• Introduction

• The Singapore Standards Collection at the National Library Board

• Books and publications

• Databases

• Standards Organisations

• Accessing National Library Board Singapore Resources

Introduction

Standards and References are important assets to organisations and people as they establish guidelines and specifications for the achievement of conformity in quality and performance. They are vital in ensuring quality of life, product safety and service reliability.

This is a selection of resources on open innovation available from the NLB catalogueor the Internet. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list.

| Search Terms | Call Number | | International trade | 382 | | Standardisation | 389.6 | | Quality Assurance | 624 | | Environmental Management | 658.408 | | Production Management | 658.5 | | Materials Management | 658.7 |

The Singapore Standards Collection at the National Library Board

The Singapore Standards Collection at the National Library Board is made available through a partnership between the National Library Board and Enterprise Singapore. More than 900 Singapore Standards including commonly-referred standards by users in the industry, academic and government, can be accessed online and in hard copy without any charge and users do not need to be registered NLB members.

Please note that all the Standards are strictly for reference only.

Print Copies of Singapore Standards

The print copies of the Singapore Standards collection is housed at:

Lee Kong Chian Reference Library (Level 7)
National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064.

Opening Hours
Mon – Sun: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm
Closed on Public Holidays.
Closed at 5.00 pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.

Online Singapore Standards Collection

The online collection of more than 900 Singapore Standards is available in full-text in this database, except those standards with copyright restrictions for e-circulation. The database is accessible on-site via the Multimedia Stations at all NLB libraries, including the public libraries and Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, except for library@orchard and library@chinatown.

Purchasing Standards

Singapore Standards can be purchased at the Singapore Standards eshop www.singaporestandardseshop.sg, or through:

Toppan Next Pte. Ltd.
1 Kim Seng Promenade #18-01
Great World City East Tower
Singapore 237994

Tel: (65) 6826 9691
Fax: (65) 6820 3341
Email: singaporestandardseshop@toppannext.com
Website: www.singaporestandardseshop.sg

Books and publications

Besides standards and technical references, books and publications related to the subject of standardisation can also be found at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. These print resources cover a wide variety of topics, such as case studies of standardisation in local and foreign companies, standardisation in industries and quality management.

• Anwar El-Tawil. (2015). Standards and quality. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co.
  Call no.: R 620.00218 TAW

  This book gives a broad overview of standardisation and quality management, covering key concepts such as national and international standards, quality management, assessment and certification. It also covers the techniques of quality management systems, such as ISO 9000, and the six sigma approach to quality management.

• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and Korean Standards Association. (2014). APEC guidelines on standards infrastructure. Singapore: APEC Secretariat.
  Call no.: RBUS 389.6095 APE

  This report examines the standardization activities within the Asia Pacific region, covering areas such as the structure of national standards in APEC member states and how they are implemented. Recommendations to better align the structure of national standards among APEC states are also presented in this report.

• Bøgh. S. A. (Ed.). (2015). A world built on standards: A textbook for higher education. Nordhavn: Danish Standards Foundation.
  Call no.: R 389.6094 WOR

  Find out about standards and how standardisation plays an important role in the world today from this textbook, which gives an overview of what standards are, how standards are valuable in the modern society, and how standardisation can lead to innovation.

• Das, K. (Ed.) (2014). Globalization and standards: issues and challenges in Indian business. New Delhi: Springer.
  Call no.: RBUS 331.20470954 GLO

  This book looks at globalisation and economic reforms in India, and how these have contributed to the growing importance of standards implementation in products, labour, environment and safety in India.

• International Labour Office. (2015). International Labour Conference: Extracts from the record of proceedings of conference committee on the application of standards. Geneva: International Labour Organisation.
  Call no.: RBUS 344.01 INT

  This report contains extracts from the record of proceedings of the 104th session of the International Labour Conference. It provides information on labour standards and their applications by the governments of various countries.

• International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). (2011). Economic benefits of standards: International case studies. Switzerland: International Organisation for Standardisation.
  Call no.: R 389.6 ECO

  This book looks at how the use of standards has benefitted various organisations and industries by examining 11 case studies from 10 countries. The case study from Singapore analyses how NTUC Fairprice have benefitted though an increase in revenue and operational efficiencies after implementing standard practices.

• International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). (2012). Economic benefits of standards: International case studies (Vol. 2). Switzerland: International Organisation for Standardisation.
  Call no.: R 389.6 ECO

  The economic benefits of the use of standards are explored in this book through 10 case studies from 9 countries such as China, Egypt and Sri Lanka. These case studies feature companies from various sectors and industries.

• International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). (2015). ISO strategy for services: Case study, Volumes 1 to 5. Geneva: International Organisation for Standardisation.
  Call no.: RBUS 658.4013 ISO

  This set of case studies features five ISO international service standards “in action” as they are adopted and applied by various organisations to improve their service delivery and customer satisfaction.

• Juran, J. M. & De Feo, J. A. (2010). Juran’s quality handbook: The complete guide to performance excellence. New York: McGraw-Hill.
  Call no.: RBUS 658.562 JUR

  A comprehensive resource on quality management, this handbook draws on various expert contributors to provide guidance on achieving high quality processes, products and services. Learn about the principles of quality and the methods of attaining performance excellence in .your organisation from this latest edition of the handbook.

• Maidana-Eletti, M. (2016). Global food governance: Implications of food safety and quality standards in international trade law. Bern: Peter Lang.
  Call no.: R 344.04232 MAI

  Take a closer look at the issues of global food governance and food safety from this book, and find out how food quality standards in international trade laws play a critical role in ensuring health protection and food safety.

Databases

Databases are a good avenue to obtain information in the form of newspaper articles, journal and scholarly articles, and reports. The National Library Board’s eResources website provides access to such useful databases, free for all Singaporeans, permanent residents and foreigners with an NLB library membership.

• Boys, K. A. & Wilcock, A. E. (2014). Improving integration of human resources into quality management system standards. The International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 31(7), pp. 750-738. Retrieved 2016, July 29 from ProQuest ABI/INFORM complete.

  The impact of human resources on quality management is explored in this article, which looks at the extent of human resource integration in the ISO 9001 and 9004 standards and recommends steps to improve the integration in these standards.

• Hayati Habibah Abdul Talib, Mohd Ali Khairul Anuar & Fazli Idris. (2014). Critical success factors of quality management practices among SMEs in the food processing industry in Malaysia. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 21(1), pp. 152-176. Retrieved 2016, July 29 from ProQuest ABI/INFORM complete.

  Through statistical analysis, this article proposes eight critical success factors which small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia’s food processing industry can use to evaluate their quality management initiatives and identify the areas of improvement.

• Militaru, C. & Zanfir, A. (2016). The vision of new ISO 9000: 2015 standards. Knowledge Horizons - Economics, 8(1), pp. 131-135. Retrieved 2016, July 29 from ProQuest ABI/INFORM complete.

  This article takes a look at the ISO 9000: 2015 standards and outlines some of the changes in this series of standards. It also gives a brief overview of the steps which organisations can take to transition to the new ISO 9001: 2015 standards.

• Murray, W. (2016). Risk and ISO 9001: 2015. Quality, 55(2), pp. 17-18. Retrieved 2016, July 29 from ProQuest Central.

  The article compares the ISO 9001: 2000 and 2008 versions with the new 2015 version and identifies risk as a key difference. It also analyses how this difference may affect organisations which are looking at rolling out the ISO 9001: 2015 standards.

• Sampaio, P., Saraiva, P., & Monteiro, A. (2012). ISO 9001 certification pay-off: Myth versus reality. The International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 29(8), pp. 891-914. Retrieved 2016, July 29 from ProQuest ABI/INFORM complete.

  Do quality management system implementation and certification always bring about an improvement in an organisation’s performance? This article details an analysis of six case studies with the ISO 9001 certification to find out if the ISO 9001 implementation had brought about better profits for the companies.

• Stoian, M. & Memon, N. A. (2014). Evaluating the quality performance. FAIMA Business & Management Journal, 2(1), pp. 28-36. Retrieved 2016, July 29 from ProQuest ABI/INFORM complete.

  This article examines the effectiveness of the ISO 9000 accreditation in improving quality in Singapore’s construction firms. It also compares the impact of ISO certification in the manufacturing, service and construction industries.

Standards Organisations

The development, adaptation and implementation of standards are usually overseen by standards organisations. The following list names some of the international, regional and national standards organisations in the world, and some of the key regulatory authorities in Singapore.

International Standards Organisations

• International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
  https://webstore.ansi.org/sdo/iec

  The world's leading standards organization in its field electrical technologies, IEC plays the crucial role of coordinating efforts carried out in different countries and unifying them, such as the development of various units of measurement and the standardization of the modern form of the metric system.

• International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO)
  http://www.iso.org/

  A non-governmental organisation that develops and publishes International Standards for Business, Government and Society.

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
  http://www.itu.int/en/

  ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs). ITU develops the technical standards that ensure networks and technologies connect seamlessly, and work to improve access to digital technologies in underserved communities worldwide.

Regional Standards Organisation

• European Committee for Standardisation (CEN)
  https://www.cencenelec.eu/

  An international non-profit organisation that develops European Standards (ENs) and other consensus documents.

National Standards Organisations

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
  http://www.ansi.org/

  Formed in 1918, with the mission to enhance both the global competitiveness of United States business and the United States quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards and conformity assessment systems, and safeguarding their integrity.

• British Standards Institution (BSI)
  http://www.bsigroup.com/

  A National Standards Body of the United Kingdom that helps to develop, publish and market standards and related information products to meet the needs of business and society.

• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
  https://www.bis.gov.in/

  Formed in 1987 as the National Standards Body of India to promote and nurture the standardisation movement in India.

• Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM)
  https://www.jsm.gov.my/

  An agency under the ambit of Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, its mission is to provide credible standardisation and accreditation services to enhance economic, societal and environmental well-being.

• Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN)
  http://www.din.de/en

  A National Standards Body in Germany that works closely with its stakeholders to develop consensus-based standards to meet market requirements. It also represents German interests in European and international standards organisations.

• Enterprise Singapore
  https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/

  An enterprise development agency with the mission to help Singapore enterprises grow and to build trust in Singapore products and services.

• Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS)
  http://www.kats.go.kr/

  Formed in 1883, originally known as Analysis and Testing Laboratory of the Mint Office.

• South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
  https://www.sabs.co.za/

  A national institution in South Africa that promotes and maintains the standards and quality.

• Standards New Zealand (SNZ)
  http://www.standards.co.nz/

  It is New Zealand’s leading developer of Standards and Standards based solutions.

Other Internationally Recognised Standardisation Organisations

• American Concrete Institute (ACI)
  https://www.concrete.org/

  Formed in 1904 in the United States to help in advancing concrete knowledge by conducting seminars, managing certification programs, and publishing technical documents.

• American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA)
  http://www.agma.org/

  Formed in 1916 in the United Statesas an association to help set national gearing standards, including the development of ISO gearing standards till today.

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
  http://www.aiaa.org/

  Formed in 1982 in the United States as a professional society dedicated to the advancement of engineering and science in aviation, space, and defence.

• American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)
  http://www.aisc.org/

  Formed in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry in the United States.

• American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI)
  http://www.steel.org/

  Formed in 1855 as the American Iron Association. It supports American steel industries committed to manufacturing products that meet society’s needs.

• American Petroleum Institute (API)
  http://www.api.org

  Formed in 1919 as the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Currently, it maintains over 500 standards and recommended practices covering all segments of the oil and gas industry.

• American Society for Quality (ASQ)
  http://www.asq.org

  Formed in 1946 in the United States as a global experts community and the leading authority on quality in all fields, organisations, and industries.

• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  http://www.ashrae.org/

  Formed in 1894 as an international organisation devoted to the progress of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration.

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  http://www.asme.org/

  Formed in 1880 as a professional organisation that promotes the crucial role of the engineer in society.

• American Water Works Association (AWWA)
  http://www.awwa.org

  Formed in 1881 as the authoritative resource on safe water.

• American Welding Society (AWS)
  http://www.aws.org

  Formed in 1919 as a non-profit organisation in advancing the science, technology and application of welding and related joining disciplines.

• Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
  https://www.ampp.org/

  Formed by the merger of NACE International and the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) in 2021, the AMPP is a global community of professionals dedicated to materials protection through the advancement of corrosion control and protective coatings.

• ASTM International
  http://www.astm.org

  Formed in 1898, originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). This non- profit organisation publishes standards and test procedures as technical guidelines for product safety, reliability and uniformity.

• Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
  http://www.ieee.org

  Formed in 1963 in the United States as a professional association that is dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence for the benefit of humanity.

• Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
  http://www.ite.org

  Formed in 1930 in the United States as an international educational and scientific association of transportation professionals who are responsible for meeting mobility and safety needs.

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  http://www.nfpa.org

  Formed in 1896 in the United States as a non- profit organisation that provides codes and standards to reduce the worldwide burden of fire and other hazards.

• Society for Experimental Mechanics (SEM)
  http://www.sem.org/

  Formed in 1943 in the United States as a professional society involved in the validation of new designs and materials.

• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  http://www.sae.org/

  Formed in 1905 in the United States as a one-stop portal providing resources on standards development, technical information and expertise in designing, building, maintaining, and operating of vehicles for use on land, sea, air or space.

• Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
  http://www.sme.org/

  Formed in 1932 in the United States as a professional society in advancing manufacturing knowledge.

• Standardisation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (SAC)
  http://www.sac.gov.cn/sacen/

  Formed in 2001 as authorised by the State Council to exercise administrative responsibilities by undertaking unified management, supervision and overall coordination of standardisation works in China.

• Standards Australia (SAA)
  http://www.standards.org.au/

  It is Australia's peak non-government Standards organisation, which is responsible for meeting Australia’s need for contemporary, internationally aligned Standards and related services.

• Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI)
  http://www.tappi.org/

  Formed in 1915 in the United States as a professional association serving the pulp, paper, converting and packaging industries.

• Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)
  http://www.ul.com

  Formed in 1894 in the United States as a non- profit organisation that helps to perform product safety tests and certifications.

Regulatory Authorities in Singapore

• Building & Construction Authority (BCA)
  http://www.bca.gov.sg/

  Champions the development of an excellent “built environment” (buildings, structures and infrastructure in our surroundings that provide the setting for the community’s activities) for Singapore.

• Energy Market Authority (EMA)
  http://www.ema.gov.sg/

  Promotes effective competition in the energy market, ensures a reliable and secure energy supply, and develops a dynamic energy sector in Singapore.

• Land Transport Authority (LTA)
  http://www.lta.gov.sg/

  Plans, operates, and maintains long-term land transport infrastructure and systems of Singapore.

• National Environment Agency (NEA)
  http://www.nea.gov.sg/

  Ensures sustainable development and a quality living environment for Singapore’s present and future generations.

• National Parks Board (NParks)
  http://www.nparks.gov.sg/

  Conserves, creates, sustains and enhances the green infrastructure of Singapore.

• Professional Engineers Board (PEB)
  http://www.peb.gov.sg

  Regulates and advances the practice of professional engineering.

• Public Utilities Board (PUB)
  http://www.pub.gov.sg

  Responsible for collection, production, distribution and reclamation of water in Singapore.

• Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
  http://www.scdf.gov.sg/

  Provides fire-fighting, rescue and emergency ambulance services; mitigates hazardous materials incidents, and formulates, implements and enforces regulations on fire safety and civil defence shelter matters.

• Singapore Food Agency (SFA)
  https://www.sfa.gov.sg/

  As the lead agency for food-related matters, SFA’s mission is to ensure and secure a supply of safe food for Singapore.

• Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
  http://www.ura.gov.sg

  Plans and facilitates the physical development of Singapore, to create a vibrant, sustainable and cosmopolitan city of distinction.

Accessing National Library Board Singapore Resources

Accessing the Print Materials

You can search the library catalogue (for physical materials) in the library and from home (http://catalogue.nlb.gov.sg). The search function allows you to search/browse by author, title, keyword, subject, etc.

Things to note:

Once you have identified the title that you need, please double-check the following information and write down the necessary info:

i. The “Status” of the item: the item is not available in the library, if the status displayed is “in transit”, “in process” or “checked out”.

ii. Double-check that the item is in Lee Kong Chian Reference Library under “Branch”.

iii. Write down the Collection and the Call Number of the item. This helps you to locate the item within Lee Kong Chian Reference Library. (Note: Please feel free to approach the counter staff for help in locating the books.)

All featured books and periodicals are located at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library.

Accessing the Databases

The National Library Board (NLB)’s eResources are free for all NLB members. Click here to find out how to register as a member.

If you’re having problems registering or logging in, please contact us. If you wish to find information in the databases but am not sure where to begin, or need recommendations on which databases to use, send an email to ref@nlb.gov.sg for help. The librarian will get back to you within three working days.

Authors

Pattarin Kusolpalin
(Updated by) Kevin Seet

The information in this resource guide is valid as at Mar 2024 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history on the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.

All Rights Reserved. National Library Board Singapore 2024.