Literature reviews (lit reviews) are syntheses of existing research on civic tech, helping you quickly understand what has already been studied, proven, or debated. Lit reviews distill findings from academic papers, policy reports, and practitioner publications into accessible overviews of key themes like participation, digital democracy, governance, inclusion, and impact. Rather than presenting new primary research, these resources map the intellectual landscape: what works, what doesn’t, and where evidence is still thin or contested. They are especially useful for grounding projects in prior knowledge, identifying gaps for future exploration, and avoiding duplication of effort.