This is a 'living guide' for students and researchers. We rely on you for updates! Resources are added via expert opinions, social networks and personal recommendations.
Please contact facultylibrarians@lancaster.ac.uk
This guide is to inform students and researchers on how to systematically search 'Grey Literature' (As opposed to Journals and Databases), especially if they are producing a Qualitative Systematic Review or Scoping Review. Many systematic review protocols recommend searching Grey Literature, although only 42.8% of reviews do so. (Giang, H.T.N. et al. 2019)
Grey Literature is also important when research involves specific populations who are historically underrepresented in empirical research, such as minoritized populations. (Lee, M.S. et al. 2023)
This guide assumes you have knowledge of what Grey Literature is, and if you are unsure please review the Student Portal - Using Grey Literature and Conferences page.
| Type | Currency | Quality |
| Blog | High | Variable |
| Guidelines and Policies | Low | High if based on good quality evidence from reputable sources |
| Conference Proceedings | High | High if based on current research |
| Podcasts | High | Variable |
| Social Media | High | Variable |
| Report | Variable |
It can be high, but check the source. Possible bias from industry-led/single-issue organisations |
| White Papers | Variable | High, if recent but can be politically driven so may be biased |
| Magazines | Low |
Can be very current, but often focused towards the public so may lack academic sources or references. |
The GreyNet International Website holds a list of Document Types in Grey Literature
| Name | Help Pages | Subject | Content | Reach | Geo Filters |
| Overton.io | Multidisciplinary | Policy, White Papers, Blogs | Worldwide | Yes. Comprehensive options | |
| TRIP | Health | Clinical Guidelines | Worldwide | Limited, use LMIC sensitive/specific | |
| Policy Commons | Multidisciplinary | Policy, Guidelines, Reports, White Papers, Legislation | Worldwide | Yes. Limited to country only | |
| ERIC | Education | Policy, Reports, Meetings. | Worldwide (but with an American focus) | Yes, But Limited | |
| Community Care Inform | Social Care | Legislation, Expert Articles, Guidelines | UK | No | |
| LGBTQ+ Source | Yes | LGBTQ+ | Magazines and regional newspapers, plus full text for 150 monographs/books. | Worldwide |
No |
| GlobalData Explorer | Social Media Analytics | Login, click on databases then social media analytics. | Worldwide | Yes | |
| Greenfile | Environment | Reports, Pamphlets and Magazines | Worldwide | No |
Subject: Is the resource focused in a single subject, or multiple?
Content: What does it contain?
Reach: Is it worldwide or focused on a specific country?
Geo Filters: Are you able to exclude results from specific geographical areas? (See Decolonising Grey Literature)