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:
- Improve producton standards and transparency;
- Ensure greater discovery and access;
- Recognise the value of grey literature for scholarly communication;
- Improve collection and curation of policy resources;
- Reform copyright and legal deposit legislation.