The introduction notes that the guidelines are intended to assist forensic glass examiners in their evaluation, selection, and application of tests on glass that may be useful in an investigation. The guidelines describe procedures and methods for developing information about glass that is pertinent to an investigation, using an efficient and reasonable protocol. The guidelines do not describe methods in detail and do not represent a rigid scheme for the analysis and comparison of glass samples. Rather, they focus on the strengths and limitations of each analytical method. The examination techniques covered in the guidelines apply to most types of glass, including flat glass used for windows, doors, display cases, and mirrors; container glass; tableware glass; optical glass; decorative glass; and specialty glass used for headlamps and cookware. This introduction to the guidelines also defines terms used in the guidelines. A 2-item bibliography