| University Libraries
Grey literature is the unpublished, non-commercial, hard-to-find information that organizations such as professional associations, research institutes, think tanks, and government departments produce. It is produced quickly and by many different organizations, which can be great for finding up-to-date, applicable information.
Examples include dissertations and policy reports. While not peer-reviewed, grey literature may be important to ensure a comprehensive literature search. To evaluated grey literature, consider using the AACODS checklist by Jess Tyndall which is designed to enable evaluation and critical appraisal of grey literature.
Before you start first consider what types of organizations conduct research on your topic. If you aren't sure - or a number of organizations might investigate your topic - then using grey literature databases are a helpful alterative.
Use broad language to locate grey literature. When searching databases like Proquest you narrow and focus your search to limit your results. You do the opposite for grey literature searches.
Grey literature should be evaluated using the same standards as traditionally published materials. The following evaluation checklist was specifically created for grey literature to help judge the quality of the material.
Always be EXTREMELY CRITICAL of... well, everything. Grey Literature in particular. These materials will often mimic a lot of the style and formatting of more reputable publications. They do NOT go through peer-review processes. Many of these are from advocacy groups that have specific goals. We may agree with them, or disagree with them, but being critical of the arguments made is key.
