Access and Use of Grey Literature in Social Science

Book Details

• Publisher: Ess Ess Publication
• ISBN: 8170004861
• Year of Publication: 2006
• Language: English
• Binding: HardBound
• Pages: 175

About the Book

This book provides a detailed study of grey literature and its growing importance in library and information science. Grey literature refers to semi-published or non-commercially published materials such as reports, internal documents, technical papers, conference proceedings, and other difficult-to-trace information sources that are often not available through conventional publishing channels. These valuable but fugitive information resources are essential for researchers, scientists, academicians, and professionals across various disciplines.

The publication discusses the challenges associated with the acquisition, organization, maintenance, and bibliographic control of grey literature in libraries and information centres. It highlights the important role of librarians and documentation professionals in tracing, managing, and providing access to these specialized information resources, which often require subject expertise and advanced documentation skills.

Special emphasis has been placed on the role of digital technology and networking in improving the accessibility and dissemination of grey literature at national and international levels. The book also examines the relationship between grey literature and the internet and proposes a model for a national-level grey literature information system in India.

Organized into six chapters, the publication offers a systematic understanding of access to grey literature and its significance in research and information services. Written in a clear and informative style, the book serves as a valuable resource for research scholars, teachers, librarians, documentation professionals, and students of Library and Information Science seeking to understand the nature, growth, and management of grey literature in modern information systems.