Grey literature : Grey literature -Introduction

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There are many definitions on Grey Literature:

Grey literature usually means any research material that has not been commercially published, or which have not gone through a peer related review process. It is usually described as being the opposite to black literature publications, which is usually found in commercial bibliographic databases. 

"The most common definition of grey literature, the so-called “Luxembourg definition”, was discussed and approved during the 3rd International Conference on Grey Literature in 1997. In 2004, at the 6th International Conference on Grey literature in New York City, a postscript was added"
Towards a Prague definition of Grey Literature (Schopfel, Joachim (University of Lille, 2010)

Types of grey literature or grey information resources can be found in a myriad of formats and in very broad settings. Some examples are government reports and conference proceedings. Further examples can be found under Types of Grey literature tab.

It is important to understand the value grey information can add to your research. Grey information can be of high value and pertain good "levels of evidence". Often it can direct you to the best up to date information in your area of research or expertise. It adds strength to a robust research process where both grey information resources as well as black literature (peer-reviewed resources found in commercial databases) are used in the research process. This overall point of direction will lead to less bias in publishing as well as finding as many useful resources as possible answering your research question. 

Anna Lovang, Senior Research Librarian
Carl de Gruchy Library, St.Vincent's Hospital Melbourne
41 Victoria Pde, Fitzroy, VIC 3065
E-mail: anna.lovang@svha.org.au
(Literature searching, Education tutorials & Consultations, Nursing liaison)