Grey literature refers to research and information produced outside of traditional academic publishing. It includes materials like reports, white papers, conference proceedings, technical documents, policy briefs, and more—often created by governments, organizations, research institutes, or industry professionals.
As an undergraduate researcher, grey literature can help you:
Access practical, real-world insights not found in scholarly journals
Explore emerging ideas and innovations before they appear in formal publications
Find detailed reports and data from government agencies, NGOs, and think tanks
Support your research with diverse perspectives from professionals and practitioners
Grey literature is especially useful in fields like public health, education, environmental studies, and social sciences. While it may not be peer-reviewed, it can still be credible and highly relevant, especially when used alongside scholarly sources.