Finding Grey Literature
Because grey literature is generally not made available via traditional publishing channels it can be difficult to find. Finding relevant material requires a mixed approach that involves searching databases, using search engines as well as browsing websites and other materials that are relevant to the research area of interest. Think carefully about where grey literature may be located for your topic and conduct a targeted search.
The Podcasts below describe in detail the characteristics of grey literature and addresses some of the considerations when undertaking a grey literature search.
Using google advanced for grey literature searching
Watch this video (1 minute) for instructions on grey literature searching using google advanced
Search fields to use
all these words
try multiple searches using different keywords, rather than constructing a complex search
numbers ranging from
for a date (year) range. This doesn't work as well as on databases
site or domain
pick a domain, repeat search for multiple domains
file type
PDFs. Many hospital NGO or government reports are in PDF format
Example
all these words
Suicide workplace policy
numbers ranging from
2018 - 2023
site or domain
gov.au
file type
Adobe Acrobat PDF (.pdf)
