Grey literature at The British Library: revealing a hidden resource

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the changing nature of grey literature, the British Library collections of grey literature and the future challenges of collecting and supplying this type of material.

Design/methodology/approach: This article provides an informal description of the British Library grey literature collection and views on challenges in acquiring and supplying grey literature.

Findings: The nature of grey literature is changing in an increasingly electronic environment. In this new environment of electronic access there is still a need and demand for organisations to collect, preserve and make this material accessible.

Originality/value: Provides an insight in to the British Library treatment of grey literature.