Working with non-conventional literature

Abstract

This topic of non-conventional (informally published or "grey") literature and associated information problems has been covered for more specialist audiences elsewhere, but the objective here is to bring these problems to the notice of a wider readership.

A definition for non-conventional literature is stated and discussed. The characteristics of the literature and their effects on library and information activities are described. It is ex plained how actions by originators of the literature and by documentation services can decrease the non-conventionality of a document, shifting it towards conventional status.

The volume of non-conventional literature worldwide is hard to quantify, although indicators show that it is widely dispersed and makes up a significant part of the total, which may be increasing with time.

Problems arise from the non-acquisition of non-conven tional documents by potential users and hence a loss of infor mation. These problems are described together with a range of solutions some of which are already implemented, although not uniformly. These solutions involve more effort by originators to make documents known and available, and greater coverage by secondary services. A number of other activities are described which can reduce the loss of information. These include estab lishment of collection centres, establishment of documentation centres particularly in developing countries, provision of printed copy by holders of the documents, special methods of acquisi tion and better bibliographic control. In the special case of loss of information about tropical land evaluation and rural devel opment the formation of agriculture documentation centres in developing countries is the most-favoured solution.