Directives, Instructions, Specifications & Standards

of the Federal government, Department of Defense and other organizations

Directives, Instructions, Specifications & Standards

The U.S. Federal Government and other governing bodies issue a multitude of directives, instructions, specifications and standards for their  constituencies to follow; each having a different intention. 

Industry or military standard

Directives: broad policy documents containing what is required by legislation, the President, or the Secretary of Defense to initiate, govern, or regulate actions or conduct.  (Washington Headquarters Services)

Instructions: issuance that implements the policy, or prescribes the manner or a specific plan or action for carrying out the policy, operating a program or activity, and assigning responsibilities. (Washington Headquarters Services)

Specifications: outline requirements for specific items or services. (Yale University)

Standards: is a Publication of technical directions and regulatory material. (Washington Headquarters Services)

 

Research & Instruction Librarians