Where is the evidence? The value of ‘grey literature’

This paper discusses the ways in which the internet has profoundly changed how we produce, use and collect research and information for public policy and practice, particularly focusing on the benefits and challenges presented by grey literature – material produced and published by organisations  without recourse to the commercial or scholarly publishing industry. The TJRyan Foundation website is one example of grey literature.

The authors, from Swinburne Institute for Social Research, argue that grey literature is a key part of the evidence produced and used for public policy and practice. They make recommendations, under five broad headings, for maximising the value of grey literature:

  1. Improve producton standards and transparency;
  2. Ensure greater discovery and access;
  3. Recognise the value of grey literature for scholarly communication;
  4. Improve collection and curation of policy resources;
  5. Reform copyright and legal deposit legislation.
The TJRyan Foundation does not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or material available on this website. The TJRyan Foundation reserves the right to change information or material on this website at any time without notice. Links from this site to external, non-TJRyan Foundation websites should not be construed as implying any relationship with and/or endorsement of the external site or its content by the TJR Foundation, nor any commercial relationship with the owners of any external site. Should any TJRyan research project be funded by an individual or organisation the source of funding will be stated beside the research report. In all other cases contributions are provided on a pro bono basis.
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