Teaching and exposing grey literature: what the information profession needs to know ‐ examples from the sciences

Abstract

Grey literature takes on new meanings as publishers and individuals create new products and release information in different ways. With several choices of access and delivery usually available in different formats, the difficulty once associated with publishing grey literature and the enormous expenses predicted for a relatively low volume, electronic publishing via html and pdf/Adobe Acrobat options, has created new models and opportunities, in an almost magical way. Information access in the global economy forces the information professional to be more aware of a wider spectrum of information, including traditional grey literature. As the hues change, the literature takes on a new sense of value. Explores different examples of scientific grey literature and suggests how it can be introduced to and by information specialists and how better training and exposure can reduce the obstacles in utilizing it more widely. By concentrating on new modes of publishing and delivery, the capabilities of information professionals are reinforced and grey literature in the sciences gains a more prominent role in a range of information use, access and dissemination activities.