Grey literature in academic research in Developing Countries : Problems and Prospects

Apart from the problem of the nature and definition of GL which will be discussed, the paper shall examine the viability of grey literature as an important research resource in the context of the problem issues associated with this type of material namely acquisition, accessibility and bibliographic control of these materials in developing countries. The writer shall consult available literature on GL as well as draw upon his practical experiences in running Special Collections libraries which collected GL both in Zimbabwe and Botswana. Thus the paper will focus in part on the collection building efforts at the University Libraries in Botswana and Zimbabwe partly to highlight problems as well as to show some of the ways in which some of the problems associated with GL were tackled. In conclusion, the writer will make suggestions / recommendations in the light of his reading, research and experience broadly focusing on: raising the awareness of Librarians and other information specialists on the important role so far played and to be played by GL in future; providing a clear statement of policy with regard to the acquisition, accessibility and bibliographic control of GL in developing countries; making an assessment of the demands/supply of GL in developing countries in the context of problems issues discussed in the paper as well as in the context of wider problems affecting developing countries; finding ways to resolve some of the problems inhibiting the fullest exploitation of GL resources in developing countries.Includes: Conference preprint, Pratt student commentaryXAInternationa