Writing a Literature Review: Introduction

These books will provide additional help for writing a literature review.

O'Shaughnessy-Frey Library
651-962-5494 (Circulation)
651-962-5001 (Reference)
651-962-5400 (Hours)
2115 Summit Ave, St. Paul, MN 55105
Directions & Parking
Library Hours

Charles J. Keffer Library
651-962-4642 (Circulation)
651-962-4664 (Reference)
651-962-4640 (Hours)
MOH 206, 1000 LaSalle Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Directions & Parking
Library Hours

What is a literature review?

• It reviews a collection of published research related to a research question.
• It summarizes, evaluates, describes and/or integrates information on that research question.
• It provides an overview of significant literature published on a topic.

Generally, there are five parts to a literature review.

• Abstract
• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

This guide will offer tips and suggestions for writing a literature review.  Use the tabs above to learn about each step in the process.

A literature review will help you:

• Identify seminal works and authors in your topic area (i.e. the really important ones!)
• Evaluate the current state of research in your field and identify trends.
• Identify possible gaps in the literature for the topic.
• Give your research a conceptual framework.
• Understand divergent opinions on a topic if it is controversial.
• Demonstrate your understanding of your chosen field.