Political Science

What is Grey Literature?

Grey literature refers to research and information produced outside traditional academic and commercial publishing, such as policy briefs, working papers, reports, and white papers. It is often more current and practical than scholarly journal articles, making it especially useful for assignments in public policy and administration.

For more formal policy documents created by government agencies or research organizations, see the Policy Reports & Briefings page on this guide.

Lists of Think Tanks & Research Centers

Locating Grey Literature

Grey literature can be found in specialized databases and search tools. These resources provide access to policy papers, reports, and research produced by governments, think tanks, and nonprofit organizations.

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