Paul Ross
Librarian & Information Specialist, ARIIA
Searching online allows individuals to quickly access a vast array of information, resources, and services from around the world. As noted in previous blogs, this can include using search engines to connect with organisations, academic sources and governmental data. However, relying solely on search engines can lead to "information overload." Breaking your search into different approaches enables you to manage the information into specific groups, preventing information overload.
"Grey literature" describes research and information that has not undergone a formal peer-reviewed publication process. Anything outside this commercially published domain is considered as a "grey" area and is therefore classified as 'grey literature' which can include various types of content, from videos to policy documents, toolkits to blogs, and more.
Searching for grey literature should be conducted using a triangulated, three-point approach:
- Initial Search within a Search Engine: Start by using a search engine to get a clear idea of what you are looking for and how your subject is described in the literature. Then, conduct a more focused search by limiting your search engine results to .ORG (organizational). Note the organization names that come up and bookmark these for further searching.
- Use Lists of Relevant Organizations: Utilize lists of organizations in your area of interest, such as those provided by ARIIA (Organisations / Resources), PalliAged, and the Australian Government.
- Search Within Organizations: Once you have a list of relevant organizations from your web searches and lists, look for either a resources or publications section on their websites. Use their site search function if available, though note that not all search functions are equal, and some may not find what you are looking for.
Pro-tip: To double-check an organization's site, use Google Advanced Search. In the “site or domain” section, enter the organization’s web address along with the terms you are looking for. Google will search the entire organization’s site, potentially finding information their internal search function may have missed.
By using a triangulated approach to search for grey literature from organizational sites, you can ensure a broad selection of sources beyond just an online search using a search engine. It is also recommended to bookmark any organizations you find, saving you time in the future and helping you build your own collection of knowledge. Since grey literature is continuously produced, visiting your library or academic specialist centres, especially those with special collections in your field of interest, can be beneficial.
Pro-tip: Connect with professionals in your field and ask them what sources of information they use.
In our final blog, we will complete the overall picture of searching online by looking into searching for information using online databases. To visit our previous blogs on the subject of searching online, check out our introduction and search sources blogs.
*The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.