Learn about what is grey literature, a category of research and information that includes unpublished material such as reports, theses, and conference papers. Learn about its importance, examples, and where it can be accessed.
What is Grey Literature
Introduction to Grey Literature:
Grey literature refers to non-traditional and non-commercially published materials that are often produced by organizations, institutions, or individuals for specific purposes, rather than for wide-scale distribution through conventional publishing channels. This type of literature includes a diverse range of documents, such as reports, theses, conference proceedings, government documents, preprints, and technical papers. Grey literature is valuable for researchers seeking information beyond what is available in mainstream publications.
Definition of What is Grey Literature:
Grey literature encompasses a wide array of documents and materials that are not formally published through traditional commercial publishing channels. Instead, these materials are often produced by researchers, organizations, government agencies, and other entities for specific purposes, such as research reports, conference papers, theses, technical reports, and working papers. Grey literature is characterized by its informality, diverse formats, and accessibility outside mainstream publishing.
Elaboration of the Definition:
Grey literature can include materials that are not peer-reviewed or widely distributed, making it distinct from more formally published literature. It often serves as a valuable source of information for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners because it may contain data, insights, or findings not readily available in conventional scholarly publications. Examples of grey literature sources include institutional repositories, government databases, conference websites, and research reports from various organizations.
Researchers often turn to grey literature when conducting literature reviews or seeking information on specific topics that may not be covered extensively in academic journals or books. The term “grey” reflects the materials’ position between the formal, peer-reviewed literature and other types of information that may not undergo the same level of scrutiny.
Examples of Grey Literature:
Conference Proceedings: Papers presented at conferences and symposiums that may not undergo formal peer review but provide insights into ongoing research and discussions within specific fields.
Theses and Dissertations: Graduate-level research documents submitted for academic degrees, which may not be formally published but contribute valuable knowledge to a particular subject.
Government Reports: Research studies, policy documents, and technical reports produced by government agencies, providing information on various topics such as public health, environmental studies, and economic analyses.
Working Papers: Preliminary research papers and reports circulated by researchers and institutions to share findings and gather feedback before formal publication.
Conclusion:
Grey literature plays a crucial role in disseminating valuable information that may not be widely available through conventional publishing channels. Researchers and practitioners often turn to grey literature to access a broader range of perspectives, data, and insights, recognizing its significance in enriching the body of knowledge on various subjects. 0 0 0. What is Grey Literature
Frequently Asked Questions on What is Grey Literature
1. What is grey literature?
Grey literature refers to information and research materials that are not formally published, such as reports, theses, conference papers, and white papers.
2. Why is it called grey literature?
It is called “grey” because it occupies a space between formally published, peer-reviewed research and informal, non-scientific materials.
3. What are examples of grey literature?
Examples include government reports, policy papers, working papers, dissertations, conference proceedings, and technical documents.
4. Why is grey literature important?
Grey literature provides access to unique, current, and sometimes unpublished data that may be important for research, policy-making, and academic studies.
5. How can grey literature be accessed?
It can be accessed through institutional repositories, organizations’ websites, conference archives, and specialized databases such as OpenGrey. 0 0 0
Data Table: Grey Literature
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Research and information materials not formally published or peer-reviewed, such as reports and theses. |
| Origin of Term | Called “grey” as it exists between formal, peer-reviewed publications and informal content. |
| Examples | – Government reports |
| – Policy papers | |
| – Conference proceedings | |
| – Dissertations | |
| – White papers | |
| – Technical documentation | |
| Importance | – Offers unique and current data |
| – Includes unpublished and non-traditional research | |
| – Useful for academic studies and policymaking | |
| Access Methods | – Institutional repositories |
| – Organization websites | |
| – Conference archives | |
| – Specialized databases like OpenGrey |
