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Research Guides

What is a literature review?

A literature review is an overview of the scholarly literature available on a specific topic. The purpose of a literature review is to establish a theoretical framework for your topic, define key terms, definitions, and terminology, and to establish your research topic.

Image showing the types of literature reviews

Marine & Environmental Sciences Librarian

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Maureen Nolan
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UW Libraries
134 Suzzallo Library
206-685-2126 (Suzzallo Library) 206-616-0758 (Friday Harbor Library)
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