| Abstract |
In September 2019, the first seminar of its kind dealt with grey literature and a circular economy i.e., an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. The information compiled in advance of that seminar and the interest shown by the participants provide the lead-up to this study. Grey literature resources are a significant part of the information industry and like other industries in a circular economy such as textile, construction, and logistics, the role and value of these resources must be understood and demonstrated. This study looks at how grey literature resources are a vehicle for other industries in a circular economy, and at the same time how they themselves are part of an industry, which drives a circular economy. This study first sets out to gain insight into the opinions of GreyNet's community of practice with regard to a circular economy and to determine if there is consensus. This is carried out via an online community-based survey. The study will further look at the way in which grey literature resources can be seen as a vehicle for other industries in a circular economy. This part of the study is carried out via a search of the literature based on a sample of a number of industries. Together, these results will allow us to explore good practices in generating societal awareness to a circular economy and in doing so, drive awareness to the value of grey literature resources. As with any explorative research, the outcome has yet to be fully defined. Nevertheless, it is expected that the findings of the survey will indicate a sufficient level of consensus within GreyNet's community of practice. And, the search of the literature will demonstrate that grey literature can be seen as a vehicle for other industries in driving awareness to a circular economy. Nevertheless, differences in the volume of references to grey literature may occur depending on the type of industry included in the sample. |