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Literature Reviews: What is a Literature Review?

Provides research tips for conducting a literature review.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a standalone document or a section within a document or book that summarizes and discusses key research on a topic. This could look like:

  • A review article within a scholarly journal that contains other literature reviews or a mix of article types.
  • A research paper or assignment where a professor asks students to complete a Literature Review to understand a specific topic or scholarship within a particular discipline or research area.
  • A section or component of an empirical research paper or (monograph) book using APA Style. The Literature Review usually follows the Introduction and comes before the Methodology section.

Need research help?

⇒ Contact the library liaison to your department or program to setup a research consultation. 

Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students

⇒ Watch this video from North Carolina State University Libraries to learn about literature reviews.

General How-to Resources

Discipline-Specific Resources

Reference & Instruction Department

Reference & Instruction Department
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