Current Status of Science and Technology: Grey Literature in Japan

摘要

There are an estimated 10,000 periodicals published in Japan devoted to science and technology (S&T). In addition there is a vast amount of 'grey' S&T literature which is not published in referred journals or otherwise made available commercially in books, etc. Very little is known about the important body of literature even in Japan. The report, based on a field study made in Japan, provides a first look at the Japanese S&T grey literature. It describes the various categories of Japanese grey literature, and the reference sources and databases that provide at least a partial entree to these materials. The places where some of the documents themselves are housed are also described. Consideration is given to how, where and why S&T grey literature is produced in Japan, and to various aspects of its distribution (or non-distribution). Various problems associated with locating and obtaining the literature are discussed, and advice is provided for non-Japanese interested in gaining access to Japanese grey literature publications.