The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University defines the Literature Review as:

The literature review, whether embedded in an introduction or standing as an independent section, is often one of the most difficult sections to compose in academic writing. A literature review requires the writer to perform extensive research on published work in one’s field in order to explain how one’s own work fits into the larger conversation regarding a particular topic. This task requires the writer to spend time reading, managing, and conveying information; the complexity of literature reviews can make this section one of the most challenging parts of writing about one’s research. This handout will provide some strategies for revising literature reviews.

Don’t forget to read over the Evaluating Sources of Information page.

These videos may also help to shed light on the purpose and process of the Literature Review:

Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students

Literature Reviews: Common Errors Made When Conducting a Literature Review