This document defines grey literature as information produced by government, academics, business, and industry that is not controlled by commercial publishers. It is typically found in electronic and print formats. The document lists common types of grey literature such as government documents, theses, reports, and conference papers. It provides sources for finding grey literature, including government websites, libraries, and scholarly search engines. It also offers tips for critically evaluating grey literature, such as checking dates, statements of responsibility, and assessing bias.

1. Finding Grey Literature Allison Bell Gerstein Library January 2011

2. Defining Grey Literature Information produced on all levels of government, academics, business and industry… in electronic and print formats not controlled by commercial publishing… i.e. where publishing is not the primary activity of the producing body . Source: GreyNet

3. Grey Lit – What? Government documents Theses and Dissertations Annual reports Technical Reports Conference proceedings/abstracts/papers Etc…

4. Grey Lit - Where? Government/Ministry websites Newspaper and Magazine articles Government documents in print Robarts Library, 4th Floor Reference area Google and Google Scholar Theses and Dissertations Guide & Public Health Research Guide

5. Chasing Grey Lit Ref. lists of relevant articles and reports Author affiliations and agencies Newspaper/Magazine articles Know the key non-profit/research/govt agencies for your topic Personal websites may point you to some

6. Critical Appraisal of Grey Lit. Online: Date/Last modified Statement of Responsibility Wacko factor/ Malicious intent Bias: Financial/ political interests Personal or group interests/beliefs Books/Reports: Date published Bias (author and/or publisher) Peer Reviewed or not

7. Guides to finding Grey Lit Grey Matters: a practical search tool for evidence-based medicine Public Health Grey Literature Sources ( pdf ) University of Calgary Guide University of Waterloo Guide to Grey Literature

8. Google Scholar @ UofT To find it: Go to Library Homepage Click eResources Type “Google”