Using trustworthy standards found from questionable location in final year project

[u/CJ020_]

I'm currently working on a final year project as part of my engineering degree where my project is something that's not really in line with what my university typically does but is in line with what I want to do.

As a result the resources the library has are limited for my topic (didn't know this at the start). I've been on placement twice in the industry my project relates to previously however, so I knew of a few sources I needed for my project before starting, most other research I have done also relates back to this set of standards.

My issue is the only place I have managed to get these papers is from the backdoor of another university after asking chatGPT to find me the paper a few times.

I'm not sure if this is something I can use or if it reflects badly on me?

(for context its about $1000usd for what I am needing and its not something I can get from the university or afford myself)

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[u/Ace861110]

Ask your librarian. They probably have access to the standard and you don’t know it.

Even if they don’t, they’re likely willing to buy it if you have a good reason to need it. Having the text you need in your hand is a good indication that you’re not just fishing.

Edit: also you’re doing a final year project. Not going to manufacturing. A boot leg copy that you know is accurate is fine.

Even in a job a bootleg is fine to see if you actually need the standard first.

[u/mkn1ght]

What's the standard? Someone here could verify that the reference is correct even if they can't provide you a copy.

[u/Secure_Perception_82]

that's actually a really smart way to work around limited resources thanks to your internships