Thode Library's holdings for the SAE Handbook include print volumes from 1980,1983-1987,1996, 2000, 2003, and 2005, plus indexes in the format of computer disks & user manuals. The 2005 edition was the last made available in print format.
The SAE Handbook contains surface vehicle standards, recommended practices, and information reports. Each has a designation consisting of the letter J combined with a number. A typical number is <SAE J357 Oct99>. The index in front of volume 1 lists the standards in numerical order and details which of the three volumes contains the standard, the section and the page. For example, J357 has the following information: <1:12.39>. This means it will be found in volume 1, in section 12, on page 39. Volume 1 also has a subject index. The SAE website can be consulted for further information (note that the Library does not currently have an electronic subscription, so full-text standards will not be accessible).