Like Think Tanks, there are two types of sources you can incorporate into your papers that are not found in academic databases but can provide thorough data for your research: Grey Literature and White Papers.
Grey Literature is "information produced on all levels of government, academic, business, and industry in electronic and print formats not controlled by commerical publishing i.e. where publishing is not the primary activity of the producing body." (ICGL Luxenbourg definition, 2004).
Using Grey Literature in your research can provide you with data that is up-to-date and cannot otherwise be found through academic databases. However, accessing Grey Literature can be a challenge, because it is usually not available to the general public. To find Grey Literature for your research, there are a variety of options. First, a simple Google search may lead you to the Grey Literature you're looking for. If not, you can use Scopus, Open Grey Repository, or make an appointment with one of our librarians to help you with your search.
Grey Literature Tutorial [Video file]. (2012, September 4). Retrieved October 7, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9-0ZYnCmAI&feature=emb_logo
White Papers are a type of Grey Literature that is typically used by companies. "White papers are meant to update long-term professionals on current trends and developments in their fields" (Purdue Owl: White Papers, 2013). There are two types of white papers. The first is internal to a company to explain current trends for their product, and it is specific to that company. The second is external to inform the public about a product or service in a particular field. External white papers are more general than internal white papers.
White papers are written with an agenda in mind, and while they can be used in your research, they will always have a certain level of bias that you should be cautious of.
Purdue OWL: White Papers [Video file]. (2013, January 1). Retrieved October 7, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIgJTQiv7wQ&t=35s