The Literature Searching guide shows you how to complete an effective literature search from beginning to end. Use the tabs at the top of the page to navigate through the guide.
Remember: the Library team provides a range of research support services to Monash Health employees and students. Attend a live webinar, book a research consultation, or request a literature search and get in touch with the Library team if you have any questions.
What is grey literature?
Grey literature is produced by non-traditional publishers and is published largely online. Examples of grey literature are:
When to include a search for grey literature
Grey literature is an essential consideration in systematic and thorough searching for a range of reasons, including:
"... the inclusion of grey literature in meta-analyses has been shown to change the results of whether interventions are considered effective or not" (McAuley, et al. 2000) |
Grey literature reduces publication bias -- where studies with significant results are overrepresented in scholarly publications -- by providing a broader perspective. For this reason, it is particularly important to consider grey literature when:
Other instances in which we would undertake a grey literature search include:
How to search for grey literature
By its nature, grey literature is beyond the reach of citation databases such Medline and PubMed. Visit our Grey Literature Guide for more information on how to conduct a grey literature search. The Library also runs a regular webinar on grey literature.
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