What should be noted when citing self-published literature?

When citing self-published literature (e.g., personal blogs, self-archived repositories, independently published reports), critical evaluation of source credibility and transparency in citation are essential. Such sources can be used cautiously when relevant but require careful consideration. These sources lack formal peer review or publisher oversight, necessitating rigorous verification of their content's accuracy and reliability. Scrutinize the author's expertise and potential biases. Ensure all self-citations align with ethical standards of disclosure and justification within the specific context. Explicitly indicate the self-published nature of the source within your citation to maintain academic integrity. Self-published material may hold value for citing preliminary findings, data, unpublished theses (where permitted), or discourse in evolving fields, acting as supplementary gray literature. Its primary citation application is typically limited; reliance should be minimal and clearly justified when access to peer-reviewed alternatives exists. Supplement its use with authoritative sources to balance information completeness.