Partnering across libraries and institutions to manage veterinary grey literature

A significant portion of the literature of veterinary medicine is grey literature. Each of three national libraries of the United States (National Library of Medicine, National Agricultural Library and Library of Congress) covers some portion of the veterinary literature. There is no comprehensive plan to collect, ensure access and preserve the veterinary grey literature. Objective: Conduct a needs assessment to use in developing an action plan to improve access and preserve the veterinary grey literature Population: All libraries serving veterinary schools accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Methodology: Focus Group: In September 2007, seven veterinary librarians from across the United States met at Texas A&M University for a 3-day session to discuss issues surrounding the veterinary grey literature, brainstorm ideas of potential remedies, and create the beginnings of an action plan. This group of librarians represented several different academic veterinary libraries and the AVMA. Survey: In March 2008 a survey on veterinary collection practices, emphasizing archives and grey literature handling, was sent to librarians at all AVMA accredited schools of veterinary medicines. Results: Response rate for survey completion was nearly 75%. Conclusion: Preservation/digitization projects which leverage institutional repositories of participant institutions. The current environment, with increasing opportunities for digitization of information resources and the growth of institutional repositories in universities, provides the foundation and potential solution for enhancing access and preservation of veterinary grey literature.