Learn how to access UL Standards at no cost using the free "Digital View" feature.

Here in VDOT Library-land we help patrons get access to hoards of standards...mostly ASTM and AASHTO (Tip: These are free to you for unlimited self-service access through the ASTM Compass and Knovel databases), though the list of standards acronyms we deal with is at least a mile long!
 

From time to time we get asked for UL Standards, usually related to safety testing and occupational health, things VDOT takes seriously. Like most standards, these are not without cost, which can sometimes be hefty. So when we discovered this money-saving hack we thought we'd share it with you.

Basically, UL has opened up their online store to allow on-screen or "view only" access for all UL standards...as long as you follow the steps to complete the free registration. We tried it and it works like a charm, with no "catch" that we can see. It's easy to miss this feature. Here are the steps if you want to try it: 

1. Go to the UL store site at: https://www.shopulstandards.com/Catalog.aspx

2. Search for a standard you are interested in.

3. Under "Purchase Options" click the "Digital View" Button, shown below: 

4. You will be prompted to log in or "register." 

5. Follow the prompts to register and you will be sent an e-mail inviting you to "opt in" which you'll have to do to view the standard.

6. Back at the standard, click the "Digital View" button again and the standard will load in an on-screen viewer.

The opt-in/opt-out feature complies with Europe's General Data Protection Rights (GDPR) and means you understand what data they collect and don't collect, and how they use it.  And it also means you control which UL online resources you wish to participate in, and that you have "the right to be forgotten" so you can "opt out" at any time for any reason. Go here to read the full UL Privacy policy 

Here's what the end results looks like. You can view all pages, but you can't save, print or share, and it is stamped "for viewing use" with your name, like this: 

Questions:

1. If I opt in can I view every page of the standard? Yes, you can view every page of any UL standard!

2. Is there a limit to how many VDOT employees can register? No, there is no limit to how many VDOT employees can register.

3. Is there any obligation to purchase a standard I view? No, there is no obligation to purchase standards you look at for free online. 

Of course, if you ever have a need to a printed or pdf version of a UL standard (like for a VDOT project or contract), feel free to contact us at the VDOT Research Library.  

Ken Winter
(434) 962-8979
VDOT Research Library

Science.gov searches more than 60 databases and 2,200+ scientific websites. U.S. DOT is one of 12 federal agency sponsors.
 

Register for this free webinar by clicking: Using Science.gov to Access U.S. Government Science Information

Learning Outcomes: This webinar will provide an overview of the federated search functionality offered by Science.gov, which enables public access to the research results from over 12 U.S. Federal member agencies (representing more than 2 million pages of authoritative federal science information and research. Key focus areas will include history and governance of the site, the search technology and how it works, content areas, and latest/upcoming features.

Day/Time: Monday, August 1, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (EDT)

Speakers: 

Mary Moulton, Science.gov Co-Chair, Digital Librarian, Office of Information & Library Sciences, U.S. Department of Transportation
Joanna Martin, Science.gov Co-Chair, Product Manager, Office of Scientific and Technical Information, U.S. Department of Energy

Prior to the webinar: For those participating via a desktop or laptop computer (preferred method), a WebEx plug-in must be installed (one-time only). Download instructions. Some features will not be available for users participating with a tablet or smartphone. Devices need to have a WebEx app installed from the device’s app store, which may take time. After installation, the app will ask for you to Allow or Deny permissions.

Registration confirmation: Upon registering, a confirmation email from icSys@icohere.com will be sent with instructions for joining the webinar. To ensure delivery of that email, configure your junk mail or spam filter(s) to permit messages from that address. GPO staff will also email your access information the day before the webinar.

If you do not receive your login information, or for any other questions please email: FDLPoutreach@gpo.gov.