Skip to Main Content

Google search for grey literature: Home

 

Google searching for grey literature

Google is a popular place to start looking for grey literature. Use these tips below to search more effectively in Google.

  • Don't overcomplicate your search. Try to keep your search simple.
  • Use search operators when searching in Google. See table below for a list of search operators.
  • Use filters
    • site: 
      • site:gov.au searches all Australian government websites
      • site:au searches all Australian websites
      • site:abc.net.au searches ABC News
    • filetype: 
      • filetype:pdf searches for PDF documents
      • filetype:ppt searches for powerpoint presentations
    • before: or after: 
      • before:2018 searches for results dated before 2018
      • after:2018 searches for results dated after 2018

 

Search operators & description Examples

AND

Words are linked with AND by default so you don't need to use AND between your keywords. 

The below search terms will bring back similar results:

clinical AND governance

clinical governance

OR

Using OR would broaden your search to find results that include at least one of the keywords. Remember to use OR in capitals.

 

governance OR framework OR model

lumbar puncture OR spinal tap

-

Use the minus sign to exclude certain words in your search. Similar to the Boolean NOT operator.

 

smoking -vaping

transition to practice -nursing

" "

Use quotation marks for exact phrase searching.
"mental health awareness"

 

"mental health awareness"

"addiction to nicotine"

Have a go

 

Search the entire web

Search dataset only

  Google Dataset Search

Librarian help

The library provides a literature search service as well as group and one-to-one database search training.

See the Library Events Calendar for registration and more information about upcoming live, online group training.

 

Need more help? 

Complete the forms below to make an appointment and speak with a librarian.

  Looking for full-text?

  Book a Training Session

  Request a Literature Search

Contact Us

 

  +61 3 9895 3200

  Submit your enquiry / feedback   (EHLS@easternhealth.org.au)

Suggest a purchase

  8.30 am - 5.00 pm Monday - Friday  (Closed weekends and public holidays)

                                                                                                                                          

 

 

 

aboriginal flag  torres strait islander flag 

Eastern Health Library Service acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

 

  Eastern Health Library strives to be an inclusive hospital library service.

 

 

 

© Eastern Health Library Service 2021-2023