Technical Reports Research Guide

Identifying and locating technical reports can be challenging as their publication and distribution is controlled by the funding agencies. If you have any difficulties locating a technical report, please ask a librarian for assistance.

To locate technical reports at ISU or on the Internet.

1. Check the National Technical Reports Library - - many, but not all, are available full-text. Researchers can also request any report in the NTRL be scanned "on-demand" and added to the database.  If the NTRL is unable to supply a document online, check with the Parks Library Media Center (Room 002 - Lower Level) to see if it is available in their NTIS microfiche collection.
2. Check TRAIL - Technical Report Archive and Image Library.
3. Check the ISU Quick Search. You can search by author(s), title, keyword, sponsoring organization, and report number.
4. Internet Sources - Many technical reports are freely available on the Internet, many from the issuing agencies such as Department of Energy(DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How Do I Obtain Technical Reports Not at ISU?

1. ISU’s ILL Department can get most U.S. government technical reports for you in either fiche or paper. This service is free of charge for ISU students, faculty and staff.
2. Contact the author of the technical report or the institution.
3. Some agencies and organizations may have information on their site about obtaining printed copies of their reports.