Working Together: How Academic Librarians Can Help Researchers Prepare for a Grey Literature Search for Systematic Reviews Involving Minoritized Populations

As evidence synthesis methodologies, particularly systematic reviews (SRs), continue to gain popularity across social science research disciplines, faculty requests for librarian assistance with literature searchers are also increasing. A critical component of a well-developed systematic review is a robust grey literature search. Grey literature provides access to research outside of traditional publishing streams, such as conference proceedings, government reports, or project reports, and thus is especially important when research involves specific populations who are historically underrepresented in empirical research, such as minoritized populations. While SRs follow well established guidelines for searching and reporting results from published literature, the same level of transparency for grey literature is frequently absent. Based on experiences from a recent SR involving a minoritized population, this article presents recommendations to facilitate discussions between librarians and researchers about preparing for the inclusion of grey literature if the SR is conducted on a minoritized population. Statement of significance: This article provides academic librarians with an overview of the benefits and challenges of conducting a grey literature search as well as a framework to use in collaboration with faculty researchers to guide discussions about including a grey literature search in their SR. The conversation framework, informed by lessons learned, may serve as a guide for other librarians to use when assisting faculty and research groups with preparations regarding the inclusion of grey literature.