In Library and Information Science (LIS), Gray Literature refers to information resources produced by libraries, library associations, information centers, researchers, and institutions outside of traditional publishing (i.e., not in mainstream journals or books). These materials are highly valuable for LIS professionals, researchers, and policymakers, even though they may not be formally published or peer-reviewed.
🗂️ Examples in LIS
- Conference Proceedings – Papers, presentations, posters from LIS conferences (e.g., IFLA, ALA, ICAL).
- Theses and Dissertations – LIS research projects submitted at universities.
- Institutional/Project Reports – Reports from library projects (digitization, user studies, bibliometric studies).
- Working Papers / Preprints – Drafts of LIS research shared before formal publication.
- Government & Policy Documents – Guidelines, policy frameworks on libraries, open access, copyright.
- Newsletters & Bulletins – e.g., newsletters from library associations and professional networks.
- Bibliographies, Pathfinders, LibGuides created by librarians.
- Training Manuals, Handbooks, Standards for library operations.
- Datasets & Survey Results – Usage statistics, citation analysis, bibliometric data.
Importance of Gray Literature in LIS
- Innovation & Best Practices – Many libraries share case studies and innovative services in reports or presentations rather than journals.
- Policy & Decision Making – Government reports and association guidelines shape LIS development.
- Research Support – Theses, dissertations, and preprints help researchers explore niche topics.
- Knowledge Sharing – Gray literature often circulates faster than peer-reviewed publications.
Sources to Find Gray Literature in LIS
Institutional Repositories
- Shodhganga (India) – Theses & dissertations in LIS: shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in
- University DSpace/ETD repositories (e.g., IGNOU, DU, JNU).
Professional Associations
- IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations): ifla.org
- ALA (American Library Association): ala.org
- IASLIC, IATLIS (India) – conference proceedings.
Open Access Databases
- OpenGrey (Europe): opengrey.eu
- OATD (Open Access Theses and Dissertations): oatd.org
- ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (subscription via institutions).
Library Portals & Repositories
- E-LIS (Eprints in Library and Information Science): eprints.rclis.org
- LISSA (Library and Information Science Student Association repository).
Conference Websites
- ICAL (International Conference of Academic Libraries).
- ILA, MANLIBNET, NACLIN.
✅ In short: Gray Literature in Library Science = LIS knowledge outside journals/books → conference papers, theses, reports, manuals, policy docs, bibliographies, datasets, etc. It is crucial because it captures emerging practices, innovations, and policies before they appear in traditional publications.
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