literature-reviewer

Synthesize academic literature into a structured thematic review with research gaps.

4|1|Updated Mar 18, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/xcrrr/claude-skills --skill literature-reviewer-xcrrr
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: literature-reviewer
Source: https://github.com/xcrrr/claude-skills/tree/main/skills/research/literature-reviewer
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/xcrrr/claude-skills --skill literature-reviewer-xcrrr

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill guides you to synthesize existing academic and scholarly work into a structured literature review, transforming a collection of sources into a cohesive narrative that identifies themes, debates, and research gaps.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Define scope and research questions before reviewing sources to set boundaries.
  • Identify and organize sources by themes, debates, and trajectories to support a synthesis.
  • Produce a polished literature review for theses, grant proposals, policy briefs, or coursework.
  • Provide guidance on annotating sources and connecting them to the review's narrative.

Quick Start

Create a thematically organized literature review for a defined topic, starting from scope and source synthesis to a gap-centric conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions about literature-reviewer

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I write a literature review that synthesizes sources thematically?

A thematic literature review organizes scholarly sources by themes and debates rather than chronologically, producing a cohesive narrative that identifies research gaps. This approach transforms scattered academic work into a structured synthesis for theses or proposals.

What is the best way to identify a research gap for a grant proposal?

Identifying a research gap involves synthesizing existing academic literature to find unanswered questions or debates. By mapping themes and trajectories across scholarly sources, you articulate a clear gap that justifies further work for grant proposals.

Can I use this approach for policy briefs and coursework literature surveys?

Yes, thematic literature synthesis applies across disciplines for policy briefs, coursework, theses, and grant proposals. Defining scope and organizing scholarly sources thematically ensures a polished review regardless of the specific academic document type.

How do I structure a literature survey to show debates and trajectories?

Structure a literature survey by grouping scholarly sources into themes and tracing their debates and trajectories. This thematic organization connects annotations to a central narrative, moving beyond summaries to show how academic work evolves.

Do I need to define my research questions before synthesizing scholarly sources?

Defining research questions before synthesizing scholarly sources is essential to set boundaries and scope. Establishing these parameters early ensures the thematic narrative remains focused and the identified research gap is clearly articulated.