Thesis

The first step is to identify and analyze the thesis of the work and how specifically it relates to your topic.

Does it relate to your topic in general, but has different elements?

For example, your topic is freshwater wetlands in Maine ; although you find works on saltwater wetlands in Maine and freshwater wetlands in New Hampshire , but none specifically in Maine , is this work still relevant? Generally it can be, especially if there is not literature specific to your topic.