It is important to critically evaluate and appraise grey literature sources to determine the quality of the information. This is particularly important as grey literature is not typically subject to the same quality checking, editing and peer review processes as material that is commerically published.
The AACODS checklist was specifically designed as an evaluation and critical appraisal tool for grey literature. It can be used when dealing with the diverse formats of grey literature and is applicable to all discipline areas. The tool was devoped by Jessica Tyndall from the Flinders University Medical Library.
Using 5 criteria, users can question the grey literature source to decide on quality. The questions and criteria help grey literature users to think like a reviewer and critically assess things like methodology, scope, agendas, bias etc.
Organisations and think tanks may have their own political or social agendas or bias which influences their reports, working papers and other publications. The checklist guides users to consider this issues and cross check information against other authoritative sources.
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