Accessibility and Utilization of Grey Literature in Academic Libraries in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania: A Case of University of Dar es Salaam Library

Abstract

This study assesses the accessibility and utilization of grey literature in Academic Libraries, using
the University of Dar es Salaam Library as a case study. The study employed a descriptive
research design and a mixed-methods approach. It involved a sample of100 library users
particularly postgraduate students, director of the library and the Head of the East Africana
section. These respondents were selected using convenience sampling as well as purposive
sampling techniques respectively. The collected quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS while
qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The findings revealed that theses,
dissertations, consultancy and research reports, conference proceedings, and project reports are
the most common types of grey literature available. While users are made aware of these resources
through awareness services, workshops, and training, challenges such as difficulties in searching,
network issues, outdated materials, restricted formats, and limited ICT infrastructure hinder
effective use. Despite high awareness and accessibility, issues like poor librarian support and
insufficient digital infrastructure were identified. The study recommends improving user
education, digitizing resources, enhancing search tools, updating collections, and fostering
collaboration with academic departments to improve access and utilization of grey literature.