Small circulation (“grey′” literature in the Institutes of Information in Social Sciences of the USSR Academy of Sciences

Discusses “grey literature”, in other words literature of small circulation. Shows that there is a lack of appropriate statistical and other data on either the acquisition or availability of this type of literature, both at the Institute of Information in Social Sciences and in general. Provides the most important characteristics of“grey” literature, including the range of topics which it covers, an evaluation of its validity, the methods of its registration and bibliographic control, and the modes of access to it by users,including foreign users. Concludes with the hope that a new and more comprehensive study of the users of USSR “grey” literature will be organized in the not‐too‐distant future.