Definitions of grey literature vary, but it is generally accepted to mean any literature that is not formally published in conventional and established formats.
Some examples of grey literature include:
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Searching for grey literature can be a time-consuming process, as you may need to search in many different places to find relevant material which may be difficult to locate and access. This makes searching grey literature systematically a challenging process.
Depending on your topic and available time, you may decide to search all or a limited range of grey literature.
You will also have to carefully assess the quality and validity of the information located when searching this type of material.
Methods of searching for grey literature may include:
As part of your overall search methodology or planning, you may wish to clearly articulate how you intend to approach searching for grey literature. You may wish to incorporate this into your search plan. Your grey literature search plan should aim to include how and where you intend to search and the rational behind this.
You may also need to record grey literature searching and results in a different way, and separately from other database searching.
Searching multiple source formats and platforms or employing alternative methods of data collection (e.g. correspondence with experts) means it will not be possible to replicate the same kind of search strategy you would use for mainstream sources.
You will also need to consider how you will record the information you find, as not all grey literature sources may be able to be integrated with referencing software.
Database / Web Site | Date | Search Terms | URL | Results |
3ie Database of Impact Evaluations | 09/05/11 | Melaria |
http://www.3ieimpact.org/ page.php?pg=search_impact &keyword=malaria+&x=13&y=4 |
25 |
African Index Medicus | 05/05/11 | Search on : "MALARIA" or "MALARIAE" or "PLASMODIUM" or "MOSQUITO" or "MOSQUITOES" [Key Word] and "BEDNETS" or "NET" or "NETTING" or "CURTAINS" or "BEDDING" [Key Word] | http://indexmedicus.afro.who.int/ | 25 |
Google Scholar | 26/05/11 |
STRATEGY 1: allintitle: malaria AND (bednet OR bednets OR net OR nets OR curtain OR curtains OR netting OR ITNs) AND (own OR ownership OR possession OR use OR usage OR uses OR cost OR afford OR delivery OR subsidy OR subsidize OR purchase OR price OR utilize OR utilization OR voucher OR vouchers OR campaign OR program OR programs OR distribution) STRATEGY 2: Search: allintitle: malaria AND (bednet OR bednets OR net OR nets OR curtain OR curtains OR netting OR ITNs) AND (random OR randomly OR randomized OR controlled OR trial OR intervention OR clinical OR "preāpost test" OR "time interrupted" OR "before and after" OR RCT OR CBA OR CCT OR ITS) |
scholar.google.com | 98 |
This table is an extract from Appendix 2 of a Cochrane Review on Strategies to increase the ownership and use of insecticide-treated benders to prevent malaria.
There are many sources including the bibliographic databases, Trials Registers and other organisaiton/profession specfic websites.
Here is another list of potential sources:
Catalog of millions of records representing open access resources from open access collections worldwide. OAIster includes more than 25 million records representing digital resources from more than 1,100 contributors.
Directory of academic open access repositories. Search for the full-text of material held in open access repositories listed in the Directory using 'Search Repository Contents', or use OpenDOAR to find repositories or groups of repositories that fit particular needs using our 'Find' facility.
Open access to 700.000 bibliographical references of grey literature (paper) produced in Europe and allows you to export records and locate the documents.
PROSPERO
PROSPERO is an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care, welfare, public health, education, crime, justice, and international development, where there is a health related outcome.